Cuba opens new paths for private oil concessions

Regulations for oil and gas exploration and production include private companies and cooperatives among entities that may apply for concessions. The rules appear in Ordinary Official Gazette No. 85, published October 12, 2026, and take effect October 19.

Article 13 includes micro, small and medium enterprises, private companies with more than 100 workers and nonagricultural cooperatives. Participation requires state approval and compliance with technical and legal requirements.

Interested entities must first apply to the National Mineral Resources Office, demonstrate technical capacity and submit the required documentation. The office has up to 45 calendar days from the application to issue an accreditation certificate when appropriate.

The possibility of certain private actors extracting crude oil and natural gas already appeared in Decree 160/2026, published in July. The new regulations develop the procedure for participating in the sector and are linked to Decree-Law 135/2026.