Fuel diplomacy: Trump nudges Cuba toward reform via direct oil sales
After Venezuela cut its oil, the Trump administration began allowing U.S. petroleum products to be sold directly to Cuba’s private sector to spur market-style reforms and make the island more dependent on the U.S. economy. Cuban entrepreneurs welcomed the stability of fuel supplies, while officials describe the shift as a gradual, coercive path toward change rather than an abrupt overthrow, with observers noting Cuba’s growing private sector (thousands of small businesses) could drive reform if financial and regulatory barriers are further lowered.