For the first time, private businesses in Cuba are importing fuel directly. At least two or three small and medium-sized enterprises (PYMES) have completed the process and, as of late February 2026, are fueling their fleets at CIMEX gas stations. However, this development does not resolve Cuba’s ongoing crisis.
The Monopoly is Broken
For decades, the Cuban government maintained absolute control over the import and distribution of fuel. That has changed. Several private companies have successfully imported diesel from abroad, primarily from the United States, and are now using it on the island. Cargo ships carrying fuel tanks have begun to arrive, according to members of the private sector.
While the process is legal, it remains uncertain due to a lack of clear regulation. Minister of Foreign Trade, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, announced on February 7th that financially capable companies would be authorized to purchase fuel abroad, but state control over the process remains intact.
How it Works
The complete cycle includes purchasing fuel abroad, filling isocontainers, maritime transport, port operations in Cuba, nationalization through CUPET, and delivery to the point of consumption. PYMES must manage purchases through state importers like QUIMIMPORT or MAPRINTER.
PYMES have two options for storing and consuming the fuel:
1. Assigned CIMEX gas station, where CUPET deposits the fuel for the company’s fleet.
2. Private storage point, requiring a certified project by CUPET, approval from Physical Planning, and certification from the Fire Department, with an operational timeline of 4 to 8 months.
The Costs Involved
The financial requirements are substantial. An isotank (capacity 23,000-24,000 liters) costs approximately $20,000 USD. Filling that isotank with diesel costs between $25,000 and $30,000 USD. Freight from the U.S. To a Cuban port is $5,000 USD. CUPET charges a fee of $0.12 USD per liter for nationalization and deposit at a station (approximately $2,880 per isotank). This brings the final cost to over $2.50 USD per liter.
The minimum estimated budget for a PYME is $60,000 USD. However, this does not include additional operational costs like insurance, documentation, export margins, port fees, and internal logistics within Cuba. Building a private storage facility could add up to $50,000 USD, plus the costs and delays associated with obtaining the necessary certifications from Cuban authorities.
Recent easing of restrictions by the Trump administration towards Cuba has facilitated operations from the U.S. And opened the door to imports from other sources. Experimental shipments from Europe have been reported, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed a willingness to provide fuel for humanitarian purposes through the private sector.
A Market is Emerging
Most Cuban PYMES lack the $60,000 USD needed to import fuel independently. According to an analysis by the Auge consultancy, 8,904 of the 9,236 registered PYMES—96.4%—are severely or critically impacted by the energy shortage. In the informal market, the price of a liter of fuel exceeds six dollars.
This situation will inevitably create a redistribution market, with those who can import selling to those who cannot. Some companies are already planning certified distribution networks to supply other PYMES across provinces. Demand is high, and fuel could become a more versatile currency than cash.
What This Doesn’t Solve
It is crucial to be clear: private fuel importation does not resolve Cuba’s crisis. It does not address the electricity shortages, with the current deficit reaching nearly 1,800 MW daily, and Havana experiencing up to 22 hours of blackouts in a single day. It will not provide medications for hospitals, repair schools, the water supply, or public transportation, nor will it fund any public services.
for decades, the Cuban government profited from reselling imported fuel at subsidized prices, primarily from Venezuela and Russia. This revenue stream is now diminished, as fuel imported by PYMES is for their own use or redistribution to private individuals.
Cuba’s energy, health, and basic services crisis remains. This is a step forward for the private sector, not for the country as a whole.
What This Does Mean
Despite its limitations, private fuel importation marks an important precedent. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero has acknowledged the role of PYMES, stating that they are contributing to the vitality of important centers.
- It represents the end of the state monopoly on a strategic resource.
- It is a further step towards the economic independence of the Cuban private sector.
- It opens recent business opportunities in a country where almost everything was previously state-controlled.
The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: Cuban PYMES are now importing their own fuel, accomplishing what the government could not or would not.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has changed regarding fuel in Cuba?
Private businesses, or PYMES, have begun importing fuel directly into Cuba, a process previously controlled exclusively by the government.
How much does it cost a PYME to import fuel?
The minimum estimated budget for a PYME to import fuel is $60,000 USD, but this can rise to $150,000 USD or more if the PYME chooses to establish its own private storage facility.
Will this solve Cuba’s economic crisis?
No, the import of fuel by private businesses will not resolve Cuba’s broader economic crisis, including electricity shortages and a lack of access to essential services.
As Cuba’s private sector takes on this new responsibility, what impact will it have on the country’s economic future?
