In a significant crackdown, Cuban authorities have apprehended 16 individuals involved in illegal fuel sales and queue manipulation at several Cupet service stations across the Havana municipalities of Playa and Plaza de la Revolución. This operation dismantled a network focused on profiting from fuel scarcity.
According to the government-aligned outlet Cubadebate, the police raids targeted two key locations: the Cupet station at 44 and 33 in Playa, where seven arrests were made, and the station on Línea between E and F in Plaza de la Revolución, where five were detained. Additionally, four individuals were caught selling queue spots to tourists for $20.
One suspect in Plaza was found with 62,000 Cuban pesos and $20 in cash, proceeds from these unlawful activities.
Fuel Resellers Exploit Crisis
These so-called "coleros" not only sold places in line but also hoarded fuel to sell on the black market at prices significantly exceeding official rates.
To create a facade of legitimacy, those involved rented vehicles from Transtur. This pushed the company to enforce stricter internal checks, such as monitoring mileage and fuel consumption.
The police action came just two days after Cubadebate exposed this illicit network on social media.
Cuba's Deepening Fuel Crisis
The backdrop to these illegal activities is Cuba's severe fuel shortage, ongoing since late 2025, exacerbated by the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments in December and the halt of Mexican supplies on January 9, 2026.
Amid this extreme scarcity, the informal market price for gasoline soared to 4,000 Cuban pesos per liter in Havana by March 2026, with other regions seeing prices as high as 5,000 pesos per liter, equivalent to about $100 for ten liters.
Official sales at Cupet stations are restricted to twenty liters per person, payable only in dollars, with wait times extending up to 26 hours.
Persistent Issue of "Coleros"
The practice of "coleros" is not new in Cuba, but it has intensified amidst the current crisis. In 2022, authorities prosecuted over 16,500 people for engaging in similar activities nationwide.
In February 2026, a similar operation in Santiago de Cuba resulted in the seizure of gasoline containers from private homes.
Residents of Playa and Plaza acknowledged the success of these operations but stressed that "there is still work to be done" and that these actions prove there is "no impunity for those disrupting public access to fuel."
Understanding the Fuel Crisis and Its Impact
What led to Cuba's current fuel crisis?
Cuba's fuel crisis began in late 2025 due to the halt of Venezuelan oil shipments and the interruption of Mexican fuel deliveries, leading to severe shortages.
How are "coleros" affecting the fuel situation in Cuba?
"Coleros" exploit the fuel shortage by selling queue spots and hoarding fuel to resell at higher prices on the black market, worsening public access to fuel.
What measures are being taken against illegal fuel activities?
Cuban authorities are conducting operations to dismantle networks involved in illegal fuel sales and have implemented stricter controls in rental agencies like Transtur.