The US is stepping up fuel supplies to the private sector in Cuba

American suppliers have shipped approximately 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba’s private sector since the start of the year. This is evidenced by documents and shipping data reviewed by Reuters.

Since January, the US has effectively imposed an oil embargo on Cuba, seeking to restrict fuel supplies and put pressure on the country’s government. At the same time, an exception has been made for the private sector.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that such supplies are part of the Donald Trump administration’s policy aimed at supporting private businesses and Cuban citizens who are not affiliated with the government or military structures.

The volume of supplies amounts to approximately 1.27 million gallons, or 4.8 million litres of fuel. This is slightly more than a tenth of the capacity of an average tanker and significantly less than the needs of a country that previously imported around 100,000 barrels of fuel per day.

According to the documents, supply volumes are gradually increasing.

Following the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, the US blocked Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and warned of possible tariffs for countries that continue to supply fuel to the island.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the country had not received any fuel for three months, without specifying the situation regarding the private sector.

Since the start of 2026, 61 container ships carrying various goods, including fuel, imported by private companies have arrived in Cuba. Most of the ships called at the port of Mariel, located west of Havana.

Shipping data shows that some of the vessels departed from energy hubs where coal, oil and petroleum products are loaded, although most are classified as general cargo ships.

There has also been an increase in shipments from the US Gulf Coast, particularly from Southwest Pass in Louisiana, although most vessels departed from Florida.

These shipments have enabled some private businesses to continue operating despite restrictions affecting transport, energy and tourism.

Among the companies importing fuel are private bakeries, wholesalers and online shops, including Supermarket23. The company had previously stopped taking orders due to a fuel shortage, but resumed deliveries following the imports.

In February, the US Bureau of Industry and Security authorised the export and re-export of gas and petroleum products to private companies in Cuba. The country’s authorities also allowed small and medium-sized enterprises to import fuel to alleviate the energy crisis.

According to sources, private companies are exercising control to ensure that the fuel is not transferred to state bodies. Its use is permitted only for their own needs.

The fuel is delivered in special ISO tanks with a capacity of around 21,600 litres. In total, around 200 such tanks have arrived in Cuba, mostly containing diesel fuel.

Most of the shipments come from the US. Only around 1 per cent of the tanks contained petrol.

According to sources, some companies store the fuel directly at their own facilities, whilst others lease infrastructure to store larger volumes with restricted distribution.

Marco Rubio warned that if the terms of supply are breached, particularly the transfer of fuel to state bodies or the military, export licences could be revoked.