A recent meeting among Cuba's top government officials, led by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero on February 16, focused on implementing strategies to tackle the nation's ongoing fuel crisis.
Marrero highlighted the pressing need to replace traditional fuels and strengthen local-level alternatives to alleviate the impact of Cuba's current energy woes.
"It's imperative that we move towards fuel substitution through local initiatives. We must rigorously monitor the progress made across various sectors and regions in finding viable alternatives," Marrero emphasized.
The prime minister called for more diligent oversight of actions regarding this issue in each area, amid a backdrop of frequent blackouts and fuel supply shortages across the island.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Cuba's non-state management forms, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have started importing fuel.
"We must recognize the contributions from non-state management forms in ensuring the vitality of key sectors," Marrero noted.
Opening the Door for Cuban SMEs to Import Fuel
This public recognition came shortly after Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, announced that the government would allow companies to procure fuel from abroad.
"We're diversifying the country's fuel importers. We're enabling and authorizing any company with the capability to acquire fuel to do so," the minister stated.
The announcement sparked mixed reactions on social media, with concerns about costs, state mediation, and the final price per liter.
As of now, official details on commercial margins and purchase approval timelines remain undisclosed. These factors will be crucial in assessing the true impact of the measure and the role Cuban SMEs might play in addressing the fuel scarcity issue.
Fuel Crisis Solutions in Cuba
What measures are being discussed to address Cuba's fuel crisis?
Cuba is focusing on replacing traditional fuels with local alternatives and enhancing oversight at the territorial level to mitigate the energy crisis.
How are Cuban SMEs contributing to the fuel solution?
Cuban SMEs have begun importing fuel, contributing to the vitality of essential sectors despite the ongoing fuel shortage.
What was recently announced regarding fuel procurement in Cuba?
The government has announced that companies can now procure fuel from international sources, aiming to diversify the country's fuel importers.