The surge in fuel exports, including gasoline, kerosene, oils, and other petroleum derivatives from the United States to Cuba, reached an impressive $156.8 million between January and July 2026. This represents a significant acceleration in recent months.
On Tuesday, the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council reported that July alone saw exports of these products to the island amounting to $61.1 million.
This data highlights the rapid growth of this commercial exchange.
By the end of the first half of the year, Cuban buyers had purchased approximately $95.7 million worth of U.S. fuel.
With July's transactions, the total increased by about 64% in just one month.
July outpaced even June, which had previously marked a substantial rise in these dealings with $47.8 million in petroleum products. The figure recorded in July was nearly 28% higher.
The difference compared to the early months of the year is even more stark: from January to March, Cuba had imported just $11.6 million in fuels and oils from the U.S. Seven months later, the cumulative figure is over 13 times greater.
Fuel Shipments from Key U.S. Cities
According to the tables published by the Council, July saw shipments primarily originating from Miami and Houston, with some operations also noted from New Orleans and Tampa.
The most valuable products include unleaded gasoline, light fuel oils, and other petroleum-derived oils. Additionally, kerosene, lubricants, greases, mineral oils, and liquefied propane were featured.
Just from Miami, the transactions listed in July amounted to around $31 million, while those from Houston exceeded $26 million. New Orleans contributed over $3.3 million, and Tampa approximately $586,000.
Support for the Cuban People Exception
This increase in purchases occurs under the Support for the Cuban People (SCP) exception from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This exception allows, under specific conditions, the export of gas and other U.S.-origin petroleum products to private Cuban entities for private economic activities.
The authorization excludes operations primarily aimed at generating income for the Cuban state or contributing to its operations.
In February, the Cuban government permitted micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes) with financial capacity to acquire fuel abroad, a measure taken amidst the severe energy crisis gripping the country. However, purchases needed to be channeled through authorized state importers.
By June, U.S. fuel exports to Cuba already showed significant growth, with hundreds of shipments of diesel and gasoline transported mainly in isotanques, a trend that continued to accelerate in the following months.
This opening towards the private sector coexists with a policy of increased pressure against the Cuban state energy apparatus.
On June 11, the United States sanctioned the Union Cuba-Petroleum (CUPET), the state-owned company that controls much of the import, refining, and distribution of fuels on the island.
U.S. authorities have advocated for a policy that seeks to facilitate the supply to the Cuban private sector while restricting operations with state and military structures.
Frequently Asked Questions about U.S.-Cuba Fuel Trade
Why has Cuba increased its fuel imports from the U.S.?
Cuba has ramped up its fuel imports from the U.S. due to a severe energy crisis and the Cuban government's recent policy changes allowing private enterprises to purchase fuel abroad.
What is the Support for the Cuban People exception?
The Support for the Cuban People (SCP) exception from the U.S. Department of Commerce permits the export of U.S.-origin petroleum products to private Cuban entities under certain conditions, excluding operations primarily benefiting the Cuban state.
Which U.S. cities are primarily involved in these fuel shipments?
The primary U.S. cities involved in the fuel shipments to Cuba are Miami and Houston, with additional operations from New Orleans and Tampa.