# Cuba cooking oil and fuel crisis deepens

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuba-fuel-and-cooking-oil-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-21T22:11:47.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 5.

The economic crisis in Cuba has intensified as cooking oil prices have surged following the government’s decision to lift retail price caps on imported goods via Resolution 150/2026. Previously controlled at 990 pesos, the price for a liter of oil has climbed to between 4,000 and 5,000 pesos in some regions. The government stated that prior price controls failed to curb inflation and caused goods to disappear from shelves and move to the black market. In response, some municipalities, including Moa and Banes in Holguín, have attempted to reintroduce local price controls. This price volatility has transformed cooking oil into a luxury commodity. Social media users and comedians have used satire to cope, with some referring to the substance as “liquid gold” or treating bottles as high-fashion accessories. Comedian Otto Ortiz noted that the scarcity has turned oil into a status symbol, joking that there are “more practical ways to show you’re doing well” than using oil to display wealth. Simultaneously, fuel shortages remain critical. National fuel reserves were previously reported as depleted by Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy, following halted shipments from Venezuela and reduced supplies from Mexico. Travelers have reported extreme scarcity, including instances of rental cars arriving with nearly empty tanks, forcing consumers to pay high premiums for minimal gasoline. Recent developments highlight growing desperation and instability. In Havana, crowds have gathered at state-run stores like Supermix to purchase subsidized sunflower oil, often resulting in tension and shouting. In provinces such as Sancti Spíritus and Holguín, scarcity has triggered physical altercations and required police intervention at retail establishments.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-21: Cuba faces cooking oil shortages and public health alerts

Severe cooking oil shortages in Cuba have led to public unrest, price spikes, and a health alert in Mayabeque regarding the sale of animal-grade oil for human consumption.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-faces-cooking-oil-shortages-and-public-health-alerts

### 2026-08-11: Havana residents crowd state store for subsidized sunflower oil

Crowds gathered at a Havana state store to buy sunflower oil at a subsidized rate of $2.40 per liter, highlighting extreme price disparities and shortages in Cuba.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/havana-residents-crowd-state-store-for-subsidized-sunflower-oil

### 2026-08-09: Cuba cooking oil prices surge amid removal of retail caps

Skyrocketing cooking oil prices in Cuba have turned a basic staple into a luxury item, prompting social media users to use humor to cope with the severe economic shortages and inflation.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-cooking-oil-prices-surge-amid-removal-of-retail-caps

### 2026-08-05: Cuba Grapples with Soaring Cooking Oil Prices and Fuel Shortages

Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz satirized soaring cooking oil prices, while a surprise visitor’s trip revealed a crippling fuel shortage, highlighting Cuba’s deepening economic crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuba-grapples-with-soaring-cooking-oil-prices-and-fuel-shortages

### 2026-07-06: Cuba’s fuel shortage forces farmers to sell land at fire‑sale prices

U.S. media increasingly cites the embargo as the cause of Cuba’s fuel crisis, while Cuban farmers, unable to irrigate or transport produce, are selling land at deep discounts.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cubas-fuel-shortage-forces-farmers-to-sell-land-at-firesale-prices

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