Cuba Denies Links to 90 Seized Biodiesel Shipments

U.S. authorities seized over 620,000 gallons of biodiesel valued at nearly $3 million across 90 shipments in September, including 71 tanks at Port Everglades, Florida, and 19 at the Port of Houston, Texas. The Department of Homeland Security announced the seizures in Miami. Commercial documents named ENETEC S.A., sanctioned by OFAC in July 2026, as the intended recipient. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy denied any link in an exclusive Reuters interview at his Havana office. "We can assure you that there was no contract of any kind with ENETEC SA," he said. He stated that no Cuban state company has obtained a fuel contract and that he knew nothing of the shipments. Private-sector fuel covers less than 3% of needs, per the minister. Shortages deepened after Venezuelan oil stopped following Nicolás Maduro's January 2026 detention. Cuba saw at least six total electrical collapses in 2026 and 20-24 hour daily outages in multiple locations. It produces about 40,000 barrels of crude daily but needs 90,000-110,000. De la O Levy said U.S. restrictions deepened fuel, water and electricity shortages. Cuba and the United Nations call the limits contrary to international law.