The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned oil and gas company, CUPET, in a move expected to further strain relations between Washington and Havana.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the company's key assets had been unlawfully seized from American owners years ago and accused the Cuban government of mismanaging the country's energy sector.
Rubio alleged that while Cubans face fuel shortages and recurring power outages, the country's leadership has diverted energy revenues and prioritized supplies for military and security institutions.
Under the sanctions, all CUPET assets and interests under US jurisdiction or controlled by US persons will be frozen.
The measure follows a series of recent US actions against Cuba, including sanctions imposed last week on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and several government officials.
Cuba has previously rejected US sanctions, arguing they harm ordinary citizens and are intended to undermine the country's economy and government.
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