Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has strongly criticized reports suggesting that the Cuban regime is exploiting private enterprises as a new channel to import fuel amid the severe energy crisis affecting the island.
“They are now using so-called 'private enterprises' to import fuel and bypass sanctions,” she stated on X. Salazar highlighted that a year ago, warnings were issued about these businesses potentially being controlled by relatives, frontmen, and allies of the ruling elite to gain access to U.S. dollars and banking systems.
Her comments follow a report revealing that the regime is allowing private enterprises to directly and discreetly import fuel, with shipments reportedly coming from Mexico and Florida, according to consulted sources.
The controversy arises just days after Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, announced that the government would permit companies to procure fuels from abroad. “We are diversifying the fuel importers in the country. We are facilitating and authorizing any company that has the capability to purchase fuel to do so,” Pérez-Oliva Fraga stated on February 7.
Requirements and Restrictions for Importation
Despite the announcement, the process is neither straightforward nor independent. According to a Facebook post by the private enterprise Sonicarpa SRL, companies interested in importing fuel must meet a series of requirements, including obtaining Physical Planning authorizations, Fire Department certifications, formal agreements among partners, and, crucially, conducting the importation through a state entity such as QUIMIMPORT or MAPRINTER. Additionally, storage must be secured in ESICUBA and can be done in facilities owned by CUPET or other state entities.
In a country where power outages are part of daily life and both public and private transportation frequently halt due to fuel shortages, this measure has sparked more questions than answers. On social media, many Cubans are questioning how much state-mandated intermediaries, insurance, and storage will increase costs, and whether the final price will further burden consumers.
“Now they can import fuel, but before they couldn't. Who was blocking imports to private enterprises?” one user questioned, reflecting the skepticism of a populace weary of announcements that often fail to bring tangible solutions.
Uncertain Impact on the Cuban Population
Meanwhile, the government has not disclosed information about commercial margins, fees, or approval times—key elements for assessing whether this opening will alleviate the shortage or if, as Salazar warns, it is merely a new financial facade amid the crisis.
For millions of Cubans enduring prolonged blackouts and rationed fuel, the debate is neither technical nor political: it's a daily concern. It's about knowing if they will be able to cook, travel, or keep a small business running in a country where each liter of gasoline has become another symbol of scarcity.
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Importation Controversy
What is María Elvira Salazar's stance on Cuba's use of private enterprises for fuel imports?
María Elvira Salazar has criticized the Cuban regime for allegedly using private enterprises to import fuel and circumvent sanctions, arguing that these businesses might be controlled by individuals close to the ruling elite.
How are private enterprises involved in fuel importation under the Cuban regime?
Private enterprises are reportedly allowed to import fuel directly, but the process involves numerous requirements, including conducting imports through state entities and securing storage with state-run facilities.
What concerns do Cubans have about this new fuel importation policy?
Cubans are concerned about potential cost increases due to mandatory state intermediaries and whether the policy will actually alleviate the fuel shortage or simply serve as a financial maneuver.