Cuba receives fuel in containers as private businesses expand

Cuban Vice‑Premier Óscar Pérez‑Oliva told CNN that the island is obtaining fuel in containers, describing the arrangement as unsustainable and blaming U.S. restrictions for the shortage. He said the government is pursuing market‑based reforms, including ending universal subsidies and seeking to improve legal certainty for foreign investors.

At the same time, the private sector is gaining ground, with micro, small and medium‑size enterprises opening food, transport and fuel outlets across Havana. While these businesses are expanding, many Cubans face high prices, exemplified by a litre of oil costing more than 60% of a pensioner’s income.