US fuel exports to Cuba private sector

Under the long-standing U.S. oil embargo against Cuba, an exception allows U.S. firms to export fuel to private Cuban businesses. This has sparked a chaotic black market and opened Cuba's state-controlled energy sector to private and foreign investment. Oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico ended after the U.S. ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January. U.S. Coast Guard patrols and sanctions have deterred tankers. From February to May, about 900,000 barrels of U.S. fuel were imported, enough for nine days of national consumption. The government authorized private businesses to import fuel for their own use in February, and in June lawmakers approved economic reforms to open the energy sector. By late July, nearly 200 Cuban businesses had permission for wholesale fuel distribution. Cuba approved its first foreign investment venture for fuel import and sale. Black-market prices peaked at $10 per liter ($38 per gallon) before easing. The fuel reaches private restaurants, retailers, and taxis, but also feeds a black market, sharpening wealth disparities. The U.S. State Department acknowledged humanitarian needs but accused Cuban officials of incompetence. President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced Washington's 'genocidal siege' and vowed no massive privatization. The reforms are partial, and large U.S. businesses remain wary due to sanctions complexity.