Cuba’s micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) have begun assessing and preparing procedures to import fuel, following an announcement on February 7, 2026, by the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, that the government will allow companies to purchase fuel from abroad.
“We are going to diversify fuel importers in the country. We are enabling and authorizing any company that is able to acquire fuel to purchase it,” the minister stated.
Requirements and Procedures for Fuel Imports
This weekend, the mipyme Sonicarpa SRL published on Facebook the requirements that, according to their explanation, companies interested in importing oil through the Non-State Management Forms (FGNE) must meet.
Among the steps outlined are:
- Obtaining authorization from Physical Planning regarding the location of fuel depots, whether in owned facilities, leased from a state-owned company, or at CUPET.
- Securing certification from the Fire Department of Cuba validating the safety of storage.
- Presenting an agreement from the partners’ board (in the case of mipymes or cooperatives) demonstrating the fuel will be used for authorized activities.
- Submitting the registration and import request through a state importer, such as QUIMIMPORT or MAPRINTER, responsible for managing the purchase.
The company also noted that mipymes must secure tanks and storage locations in ESICUBA, and could potentially contract storage at CUPET facilities or other state entities with the necessary permits.
Expectations and Concerns Amidst the Crisis
The move comes during a prolonged energy crisis, marked by frequent power outages and fuel shortages impacting transportation and production.
Social media reaction has been mixed, with some citizens questioning the costs associated with mandatory state importer intermediation, storage fees, logistics, and the ultimate price per liter of fuel. One social media user questioned, “Now we can import fuel and before we couldn’t. Who blocked the import to mipymes? I wonder how much tax will have to be paid to a state importer for each barrel of oil.”
Others expressed concerns about potentially lengthy and bureaucratic procedures, and the possibility of state confiscation. A minority view sees the measure as an opportunity for the private sector to help alleviate the scarcity.
Currently, no official details have been released regarding commercial margins, storage fees, or estimated approval times for applications – factors that will be crucial in determining the true scope of the measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the Cuban government to allow private fuel imports?
The government approved the change after the United States imposed tariffs on countries trading oil with Cuba, limiting the state’s access to supply.
What is required of a mipyme wanting to import fuel?
Mipymes must obtain authorization from Physical Planning for depot locations, certification from the Fire Department, a partners’ board agreement confirming authorized employ, and submit their request through a state importer like QUIMIMPORT or MAPRINTER.
What concerns have been raised about this new policy?
Citizens have questioned the costs associated with state importer intermediation, storage fees, and logistics, as well as the potential for bureaucratic delays and state intervention.
Will this new policy effectively address Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis, or will logistical and economic hurdles limit its impact?
