News 3 min read
Cuba Ends General Subsidies for Basic Food Ration: The End of an Era
As of April 2026, Cuba implements a historic shift by removing general subsidies on basic food rations. Learn how this change impacts the 'libreta'.
#economy
44 articles
News 2 min read
Cuba introduces 2000 and 5000 Pesos banknotes amid rampant inflation
The Central Bank of Cuba issues new high-denomination bills to address cash shortages and price escalation on the island.
News 2 min read
Cuba introduces 2000 and 5000 peso bills to combat rampant inflation
The Central Bank of Cuba releases new high-denomination banknotes (2,000 and 5,000 CUP) to facilitate cash transactions amid the ongoing economic crisis.
News 3 min read
Cuba Projects Economic Stagnation in 2026: GDP to Barely Grow by 1%
The Cuban government estimates economic growth of 1% for 2026, after failing to meet its targets and facing a severe GDP contraction.
News 2 min read
Cuban Food Prices: Relentless Inflation at the End of March
Inflation in Cuba is relentless: basic products like rice and oil reach record prices at the end of March 2026.
News 3 min read
U.S. Escalates Embargo: OFAC Bans Russian Oil Imports to Cuba
The Treasury's OFAC blocks Russian fuel routes to Cuba, worsening an energy crisis that has already caused six massive blackouts.
News 4 min read
Post-Communist Cuba: Diaspora Faces Crucial Decisions
Analysis reveals challenges Cubans inside and outside the island will face amid potential end of communist system
News 3 min read
Sudden Drop of MLC in Cuba: Volatility in Informal Currency Market
The price of the Moneda Libremente Convertible (MLC) falls to 385 CUP in Cuba's informal market, its lowest level since early March.
News 3 min read
Cuba Officially Opens Doors to Investment from Exile Community
The Government of Cuba announces that it will allow Cuban residents abroad to invest and own businesses on the island to alleviate shortages.
News 3 min read
Economy in Cuba: EIU Projects 7.2% Contraction in 2026
The Economist Intelligence Unit warns that the Cuban economy will suffer a dramatic 7.2% drop this year, accumulating a 23% collapse since 2019.
News 3 min read
MININT Cracks Down on Currency Networks: Millions Seized in Cuba
Cuba's Ministry of the Interior intensifies operations against the informal currency market, with over 300 investigations and massive seizures.
News 3 min read
Cuba's Informal Market: Dollar Stays Stable While Euro Rises
Analysis of Cuba's informal foreign currency market today, March 13. Exchange rates for the USD, Euro, and MLC according to elTOQUE and MININT raids.
News 2 min read
Cuba’s MININT Cracks Down on Informal Currency Networks
The Ministry of Interior of Cuba (MININT) intensifies operations against the informal currency market, with over 300 investigations under way.
News 2 min read
MININT Offensive: Illegal Foreign Currency Networks Dismantled in Cuba
Cuba's Ministry of the Interior intensifies operations against the informal currency market, with hundreds of investigations and thousands of dollars seized.
News 3 min read
Cuba's Oil Crisis: Moscow's Ultimatum Amid Trump's Sanctions
Russia warns about oil supplies to Cuba as Trump's sanctions pressure the island's economy. Discover the impact on the energy crisis.
News 3 min read
Russia Defies Trump: Cuban Oil Shipments Continue
Despite U.S. sanctions threats, Russia confirms it will maintain oil supplies to Cuba throughout 2026.
News 3 min read
MININT Cracks Down on Currency Networks: Dollars Seized in Cuba
Cuba's Ministry of the Interior intensifies raids on the informal currency market, seizing thousands of dollars and arresting several involved parties.
News 3 min read
Cuba's Crisis: 74.5 Billion Fiscal Deficit Projected for 2026
The Cuban economy faces a 74.5 billion peso fiscal deficit in 2026, with the dollar exceeding 500 CUP in the informal market. Analysis of the current situation.
News 3 min read
Cuba's Exchange Rate Gap: The Dollar Soars in the Informal Market
The difference between the official rate and the black market for foreign currency in Cuba reaches critical levels this March 2026, impacting basic prices.
News 3 min read
Massive Blackout in Cuba: Two-Thirds of the Island in the Dark
A major breakdown in the national power grid leaves seven million Cubans in the dark. The energy crisis of 2026 reaches a critical point.
News 3 min read
US Bans the Use of Cuban Banks for Fuel Imports for Private Sector
The US Department of Commerce suspends the use of state-owned Cuban banks for fuel transactions intended for the island's emerging private sector.
News 2 min read
Cuba Denies Sale of Mexico's Food Donations in Hard Currency Stores
The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) clarifies that products donated by Mexico are distributed free of charge and not sold in hard currency stores.
News 3 min read
Cuba in the Dark: Failure at the Guiteras Plant
Two-thirds of Cuba lose electricity after a breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant. Havana and central provinces suffer critical blackouts.
News 3 min read
Zunzún: Cuba President Urges Economic Overhaul Amid Crisis
Miguel Díaz-Canel calls for immediate transformation of Cuba's economic model in March 2026, facing critical power shortages and diplomatic pressure.
News 3 min read
80% of Cubans Consider Current Crisis Worse Than the 'Special Period'
A new report reveals that the perception of economic deterioration in Cuba has surpassed the 1990s levels, driven by massive blackouts and record inflation.
News 3 min read
US Approves Sale of Venezuelan Oil to Cuba's Private Sector
Donald Trump's administration allows companies to apply for licenses to resell Venezuelan crude to SMEs and humanitarian organizations on the island.
News 2 min read
Cuba Unveils '2026 Economic Program' Amid Total Collapse
Cuba's Council of Ministers rebrands its shock plan as inflation and energy deficits paralyze the island this March 2026.
News 3 min read
US Dollar Reaches Record in Cuba: Peso Plummets to 510 CUP
Cuba's informal market records a new historic drop for the peso. The US Dollar reaches 510 CUP, worsening inflation and the cost of living on the island.
News 2 min read
Euro Reaches Record 570 CUP in Cuba: The Peso Continues Its Fall
The Euro marks a new historic high of 570 CUP in the Cuban informal market. The Dollar remains at 505 CUP and the MLC rises to 410 CUP.
News 3 min read
Dollar Hits 505 CUP: Cuba's Central Bank Reacts Too Little, Too Late
Cuba's informal dollar hit 505 CUP on Feb. 20. The Central Bank raised its rate to 463 — but the 42-peso gap exposes a deepening currency crisis.
News 4 min read
Mariel Port to Charge USD from Private Sector Starting March
Mariel Special Development Zone will charge USD to SMEs and private actors from March 1st. State enterprises will continue paying in CUP.
News 1 min read
Cuba Tourism Collapse: 1.8 Million Visitors in 2025
Cuba closes 2025 with only 1.8 million tourists, a 17% drop and its worst data in decades. Fuel and energy shortages plunge the sector into crisis.
News 3 min read
Cuba grants 8-year tax exemption for renewable energy investments
New resolution eliminates customs duties and grants 8 years tax-free for those investing in solar, wind, or biodigesters in Cuba.
News 3 min read
Cuba to End Product Subsidies in Ration System Starting April 2026
Cuba announces a historic shift: from April, the government will subsidize vulnerable people directly, transforming the 60-year-old ration book.
News 2 min read
Cuba's crisis: 2 million flee and infant mortality triples
Since 2021, Cuba has lost 2 million residents to emigration. Infant mortality nearly tripled. A collapse that goes far beyond Trump's policies.
News 3 min read
Rubio Suggests Cuba Economic Opening as 'Possible Way Forward'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in Munich that opening Cuba's economy could be a path forward, marking a notable shift in tone on the crisis.
News 2 min read
Cuba Cancels Festival del Habano Amid Energy Crisis
The 2026 Festival del Habano is suspended due to the US oil blockade. Cuba loses millions from its prestigious cigar humidor auctions.
News 2 min read
Cuba Runs Out of Aviation Fuel: Air Canada Suspends Flights Until May
Cuba energy crisis hits aviation. Air Canada halts ops, will repatriate 3,000 stranded tourists.
News 2 min read
Cuba's Economy Contracted 5% in 2025: Study Reveals Crisis
Study confirms Cuba GDP decline, 1.5 million emigration, rising infant mortality. Critical juncture.
News 2 min read
Cuba Emergency: Universities Closed, 4-Day Work Week
The Cuban government closes universities, reduces school hours, limits hospital surgeries, and shortens the work week amid the fuel crisis.
News 2 min read
Cuban Government Promises Pensions Despite Energy Crisis
Finance Minister assures pensions are guaranteed in 2026 budget, while acknowledging partial increase 'doesn't fully solve' retirees' situation.
News 2 min read
How Cubans Are Surviving the Fuel Rationing Crisis
Neighbors unite to cook with firewood, power cuts lasting up to 18 hours, and echoes of the Special Period. Testimonies from Havana on the energy crisis.
News 3 min read
Dollar Breaks 500 Cuban Peso Barrier in Black Market
The US dollar hit a historic high of 500 Cuban pesos, just two months after the government implemented a floating exchange rate to control the informal market.
News 2 min read
Meliá Reduces Hotel Availability in Cuba Amid Tourism Collapse
Spanish hotel chain temporarily closes three properties due to low occupancy, in the worst tourism crisis since the pandemic