Overview
- Federal investigators uncovered intelligence showing U.S. exported biodiesel was being routed to Havana wholesaler ENETEC S.A., a company designated by the U.S. Treasury in July.
- Authorities intercepted a total of about 620,000 gallons of biodiesel, seizing 71 storage tanks at Port Everglades that held roughly 500,000 gallons and interdicting 19 shipments totaling about 120,000 gallons at the Port of Houston.
- Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security say the interdictions are being treated as suspected violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Export Administration Regulations, and the probe remains open with no exporters or charges publicly named.
- Those port actions add to recent U.S. Coast Guard maritime seizures, including the cargo vessel Grace on Sept. 5 and the Jaira Provider earlier this summer, as the U.S. tightens enforcement of energy transfers to Cuba under expanded 2026 sanctions policy.
- The enforcement drive deepens pressure on Cuba’s fragile energy system, which has faced chronic shortages and rolling blackouts that affect millions and could prompt further humanitarian strain and diplomatic friction between Washington and Havana.