Since the beginning of 2026, U.S. suppliers have delivered approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba’s private sector, reflecting a strategic effort initiated under the Trump administration to bolster private enterprises over state-run ones. This move comes amid a broader U.S. policy enforcing a de facto oil embargo against Cuba, aimed at pressuring the government by restricting its fuel supplies.
While the U.S. has blocked fuel shipments to Cuba’s government, it has made a notable exception for the island’s small but crucial private sector. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that these fuel exports are part of a policy designed to prioritize private Cuban individuals and businesses not linked to the government or military.
The volume of fuel imported by the private sector since early February—about 30,000 barrels or roughly 1.27 million gallons (4.8 million liters)—represents just over one-tenth of a medium-sized fuel tanker’s capacity. This amount is a small fraction of Cuba’s overall fuel requirements, which until recently stood at around 100,000 barrels per day to support power plants, vehicles, and aircraft. However, shipping records indicate a steady increase in these imports week by week, signaling progress in Rubio’s plan.
In a significant development, 61 container ships carrying various goods for private Cuban companies, including fuel, have docked in Cuba so far this year. These vessels frequently travel between Cuban ports and those in the U.S., Europe, and the Caribbean. Most have unloaded at the port of Mariel, west of Havana, with two additional ships en route from Spain and Jamaica expected to arrive by the end of the month. This is a slight decrease from the 75 container ships recorded during the same period last year.
Many of these ships originated from major energy hubs, including the U.S. Gulf Coast, particularly Southwest Pass in Louisiana, a key energy corridor. Although most U.S.-originated shipments departed from Florida, data shows an upward trend in shipments from the Gulf Coast. These new fuel flows have helped some private businesses maintain operations despite the severe fuel blockade that has crippled public transportation, electricity generation, and tourism sectors.
Since the fuel exports began in early February, private companies previously immobilized by the blockade have started receiving supplies. The list of beneficiaries includes private breadmakers, wholesalers distributing to small urban markets, and larger online retailers such as Supermarket23. This grocer had halted orders in February due to the fuel shortage but has since resumed deliveries after importing fuel.
The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security issued guidance in February permitting exports and re-exports of U.S. gas and petroleum products to eligible Cuban private-sector entities. Meanwhile, the Cuban government has authorized private micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MIPYMES) to import fuel to alleviate the energy crisis. Private companies are enforcing strict controls to ensure the fuel is used solely by the importing entities, with commercial resale prohibited.
Cuban authorities have also implemented safety regulations governing the storage and distribution of the imported fuel. Most fuel arrives in ISO tanks, which safely hold about 21,600 liters each on container ships. Approximately 200 such tanks have been unloaded in Cuba, with diesel comprising the vast majority of imports and gasoline accounting for only 1%. The predominance of diesel is due to its safer handling compared to gasoline, which requires more stringent storage measures.
Some businesses have installed large white ISO tanks adjacent to their facilities, while others have leased idle infrastructure on the island to store greater fuel quantities. Distribution remains strictly limited to private sector companies. Rubio has warned that any diversion of this fuel to the Cuban regime or military entities, or misuse violating the terms of the export licenses, will result in immediate cancellation of those licenses.
