U.S. suppliers have supplied about 30,000 barrels of fuel to Cuba’s private sector so far this year, according to documents and shipping data reviewed by Reuters, suggesting the Trump administration’s strategy of favoring private enterprises over state-owned enterprises is gaining traction.
The shipments, equivalent to about 1.27 million gallons (4.8 million liters), represent only a fraction of Cuba’s energy needs, which until recently required around 100,000 barrels a day of imported fuel, the news outlet said.
Support for private business
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the move was in line with Washington’s broader policy towards Cuba.
“Entirely designed to put the private sector and individual private Cubans — not connected to the government or the military — into a privileged position,” Rubio said, according to the newspaper.
The U.S. Industry and Security Administration issued guidelines in February allowing the export and re-export of U.S. gas and petroleum products to eligible Cuban private sector entities, Reuters reported.
The oil blockade increases the pressure on Havana
Since January, the United States has enforced a de facto oil embargo aimed at cutting off fuel supplies to the Cuban government.
The crackdown intensified after Washington cracked down on Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, disrupting oil flows from Venezuela – a key supplier to Cuba.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said last week that the island had not received any fuel in three months, although he did not mention imports from the private sector, Reuters reported.
Imports are gradually increasing
Shipping data reviewed by Reuters show imports for private businesses have risen steadily since early February.
So far in 2026, 61 container ships carrying various goods, including fuel, have arrived in Cuba, often traveling between US, European and Caribbean ports, Reuters reported. Most of the shipments were unloaded at the port of Mariel west of Havana.
Fuel shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast — particularly Louisiana’s Southwest Pass — are on the rise, although most vessels have been departing from Florida, according to the report.
Limited fuel flows have helped some private businesses continue to operate despite widespread shortages affecting transport, power generation and tourism.
Strict controls and limited use
The import of fuel is linked to strict conditions. Commercial resale is not permitted and the fuel must only be used by importing companies.
“If we catch the private sector out there playing games and redirecting it to a regime or a military company … those licenses will be revoked,” Rubio reportedly warned in February.
Imports of diesel dominate
Most of the imported fuel is diesel, with only about 1% being gasoline, Reuters reported. Around 200 ISO tanks have been sent to the island – each capable of holding around 21,600 litres.
