This Thursday, the Cuban government announced new pricing for liquefied and manufactured gas in Cuban pesos, as detailed in the Official Gazette No. 59 Ordinary of 2026. These changes, outlined in two resolutions from the Ministry of Finance and Prices, are effective immediately.
According to Resolution 155/2026, the cost of liquefied gas has been set at 35 CUP per kilogram, raising the price of a standard 10 kg cylinder to 350 Cuban pesos. This marks a 55% increase from the previous price of 225 CUP per cylinder, which had been in place since March 1, 2024.
Rising Costs for Manufactured Gas
Resolution 156/2026 dictates that the price for manufactured gas is now 4.97 CUP per cubic meter for residential and non-productive non-residential sectors. This almost doubles the previous rate of 2.50 CUP/m³ that has been effective since January 2021. Additionally, a preferential rate of 4.00 CUP/m³ is set for hospitals, nursing homes, and child care centers.
Both resolutions, signed by Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale on July 1, 2026, accompany Decree 156/2026 from the Council of Ministers, endorsed by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz on June 29. This decree revises the legal framework to allow these prices to be set via ministerial resolution rather than by Council agreements.
Economic Strain and Market Realities
The official document justifies the increase in liquefied gas prices by citing “the complex reality of the energy blockade facing the country, scarce fuels, particularly in terms of oil imports, and the sustained rise in costs.” For manufactured gas, it points to “the continuous rise over the past five years in supply costs and expenses.”
This situation presents a significant paradox: the regime sets an official price in pesos for a product that is virtually unavailable in the state system and is primarily sold in dollars. Since May 2026, platforms like Supermarket23, Katapulk, and KMCERO have been selling liquefied gas cylinders for between 24 and 29 dollars, refusing to accept Cuban pesos.
At the informal exchange rate of 655 CUP per dollar, a 29-dollar cylinder equates to 18,995 CUP, more than 54 times the new official price of 350 CUP. Even the 24-dollar option amounts to roughly 15,720 CUP. In the informal market, these cylinders have been resold for up to 50 dollars in June, more than double the price on state digital platforms.
These digital platforms distribute the same cylinders from the state system, with logistics linked to CUPET facilities, as reported in a journalistic investigation. However, in June, CUPET itself warned of identity theft through fake websites and WhatsApp channels selling cylinders in dollars under the guise of the state company.
Understanding the New Gas Pricing in Cuba
What are the new prices for liquefied gas in Cuba?
The new price for liquefied gas is set at 35 CUP per kilogram, making a standard 10 kg cylinder cost 350 Cuban pesos.
How have the prices for manufactured gas changed?
Manufactured gas is now priced at 4.97 CUP per cubic meter for most sectors, nearly doubling the previous rate of 2.50 CUP/m³.
Why did the Cuban government increase gas prices?
The government cites the energy blockade, limited fuel availability, particularly oil imports, and rising costs as reasons for the price hike.