The Trump administration has maintained and expanded maximum-pressure sanctions on Cuba’s energy sector throughout 2026, including Executive Order 14404 in May and September OFAC regulations that broadened prohibitions on indirect financial transactions, eliminated certain banking authorizations for private entities, and tightened travel licenses. Recent enforcement actions, such as the seizure of 90 biodiesel shipments valued near $3 million in September and October targeting sanctioned entities like ENETEC, reinforce the de facto oil embargo that followed the cutoff of Venezuelan supplies. While limited fuel exports to Cuba’s private sector and narrow humanitarian exceptions have been permitted, officials have repeatedly stated no formal policy shift or broad sanction relief is under consideration. Cuba’s new oil and gas law taking effect October 19 opens opportunities for non-U.S. investors but faces the unchanged U.S. embargo, limiting near-term prospects for announced relief tied to petroleum shipments.