In an effort to fend off a mounting humanitarian crisis, Cuba on Wednesday eased up on longtime restrictions on private vendors and imports, opening up a sector firmly controlled by the Communist-led government. The reforms come as Cuba has been pushed to the brink by an oil blockade imposed by the United States in January. In total, the government said it was removing 46 of the 125 prohibitions it had on private industry and relaxed 35 other regulations. Restrictions will also ease on Cuba’s decaying oil sector, making it easier for foreign investors and private businesses. Cuba’s government had already made moves to loosen restrictions on private industry over the last few decades.