Cuba's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are gearing up to navigate the bureaucratic waters in order to import fuel, following the February 7, 2026 announcement by Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Minister, Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga. The government has decided to permit businesses to procure fuel from abroad, a significant shift in policy.
The minister stated, “We are expanding the list of fuel importers in the country. We are facilitating and authorizing any company with the ability to purchase fuel to do so.”
Procedures and Requirements for Fuel Importation by Cuban SMEs
This past weekend, the SME Sonicarpa SRL shared on Facebook the necessary steps for companies interested in importing oil through Non-State Management Forms (FGNE).
The outlined steps include:
- Obtaining Physical Planning authorization regarding the location of fuel storage, whether on owned property, leased from a state enterprise, or at CUPET facilities.
- Securing certification from the Cuban Fire Department to ensure storage safety.
- Submitting a board agreement (for SMEs or cooperatives) showing the fuel will be used for approved activities.
- Filing a registration and import request through a state importer, such as QUIMIMPORT or MAPRINTER, which handle procurement.
Additionally, it was mentioned that SMEs must insure tanks and storage locations with ESICUBA. They may rent storage at CUPET or other state-run facilities with existing permits and conditions for fuel operations.
Amidst a Crisis: Hopes and Concerns
This development occurs during a prolonged energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts and fuel shortages, severely impacting transportation and production activities.
The government's decision to relax restrictions came after the United States imposed tariffs on countries trading oil with Cuba, further restricting state access to supplies.
The announcement has sparked intense debate on social media. Some citizens criticize the costs tied to mandatory state importer intermediaries, storage fees, logistics, and the resulting effect on fuel prices per liter.
One user expressed, "Now it’s possible to import fuel, but it wasn’t before. Who was blocking these imports for SMEs? I wonder how much tax we’ll pay to a state importer for every barrel of oil."
Critics also point out potential long, bureaucratic processes and do not rule out frequent state confiscations. A minority view the measure as a chance for the private sector to help ease the scarcity.
So far, no official details have been released about commercial margins, storage fees, or estimated approval times for applications, all key factors in assessing the real impact of the measure.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fuel Importation by Cuban SMEs
What are the main steps for Cuban SMEs to import fuel?
The main steps include obtaining authorization for storage location, securing safety certifications, submitting board agreements for approved activities, and filing import requests through state importers.
Why did the Cuban government decide to allow SMEs to import fuel?
The government relaxed restrictions in response to a prolonged energy crisis and U.S. tariffs limiting state access to fuel supplies, aiming to diversify importers and alleviate shortages.
What challenges do SMEs face in importing fuel?
Challenges include navigating bureaucratic processes, potential high costs due to state intermediaries, and concerns about possible state confiscations.