AGP Executive Report

Power & Fuel Shortages: Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) reports only the hospital and water pumping system will have guaranteed electricity, with residents complaining food spoils fast amid fuel deficits. Logistics Disruption: Correos de Cuba says package delays stem from fuel unavailability, not its own operations, after customers reported shipments stuck for weeks. Inflation Pressure: Official data shows July CPI up 2.56% and year-on-year inflation at 20.70%, with food and non-alcoholic beverages driving most of the rise. Private Sector Crackdown: Las Tunas authorities closed 22 establishments, revoked eight licenses, and fined over 1.2 million pesos after inspections flagged issues like missing invoices, price changes, and alleged tax evasion. Energy Theft & Grid Stress: Matanzas police arrested two people for stealing dielectric oil from a transformer, worsening outages and limiting service even when power returns. Transport Upgrade: Holguín received new Yutong buses for the Holguín–Havana route, aiming to cut fuel use and improve interprovincial mobility. Water Infrastructure: Cuba’s government is set to consider repairs at Pot Works Dam to address chronic leakage and potentially expand reservoir capacity. Academia & Health: University of Camagüey and University of Seville launched joint research on cognitive aging, linking heritage-space adaptation with public health needs. Industry & Business Environment: Cuba’s 65th National Baseball Series format was changed to save fuel amid blackouts and economic strain, reflecting how energy limits ripple into production schedules.

Cuban Energy & Industry: Cuba’s fuel crisis is reshaping operations, including sports: the 65th National Baseball Series (Oct 4–Dec 22) will switch to two zones and four groups to cut travel and save fuel. Monetary System: Cuba’s Central Bank says distribution of new 2,000 and 5,000 CUP banknotes has increased, but many users report they still can’t withdraw cash. Power-Plant Maintenance: At Felton’s Lidio Ramón Pérez Thermoelectric Plant in Holguín, authorities are evaluating technical intervention plans after a water/steam leak near Unit 1’s dome, with repairs scheduled over several days. Sanctions & Security Pressure: A new America First Policy Institute report argues Cuba’s ties with Russia, China and Iran create a strategic foothold near Florida, urging Washington to intensify economic pressure and security cooperation. Public Health Impact: Coverage links Cuba’s energy collapse and blackouts to worsening healthcare delivery, describing dialysis and hospital power failures as part of a broader humanitarian strain.

Cuban Energy & Daily Life: Russia delivered humanitarian aid to Cuba amid severe power outages, including portable flashlights and first-aid supplies, underscoring how basic energy shortages are reshaping everyday survival. Sanctions & Trade Pressure: Cuba’s deputy foreign trade minister warned that the strengthened U.S. blockade now includes an energy embargo, citing shortages of medicines, fuel, and water plus long surgery backlogs. Finance Access in Rural Cuba: Banco Popular de Ahorro branches have reportedly closed for days in Sierra de Cubitas, leaving elderly residents unable to withdraw pensions, with similar banking-hour limits tied to the energy crisis. Economic Policy Debate: Economist Pedro Monreal criticized a Cubadebate price-crisis explainer as bureaucratic and detached from real supply-and-demand drivers, arguing the regime lacks a macroeconomic anchor. International Labor Links: Guyana’s president said Cubans must enter legally and be hired under the same labor rules as Guyanese workers after Cuba ended its medical brigade arrangement. Agriculture & Production Push: Cuban leaders renewed calls for higher food production as the agricultural crisis worsens, while shortages continue to ripple through supply and consumption.

Trade & Industry Policy: Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Déborah Rivas, says the strengthened U.S. blockade is now hitting energy, with hospitals short of fuel, water, and medicines and “15,000 children waiting for surgery,” while Cuba pushes “economic and social transformations” to keep socialism running. Retail & Consumer Supply: Holguín is rolling out the “Neighborhood Market” project to expand sales of food, cleaning, and hygiene via a network of state and authorized private actors, with electronic payments and prices aligned to social needs; 24 centers are selected. Digital & Public Administration: In Camagüey, the University of Camagüey and the IT Professionals Union set up an AI and data-focused technical table to support the 2026 government program and turn data into “wealth,” linking academia with digital-solution firms. Agriculture Inputs: Camagüey’s rice fertilizer initiative—using nationally produced organomineral and bioactive inputs—has shown yield gains and is now in the running for Cuba’s National Environmental Award. Infrastructure Security: Matanzas reports arrests after attempted theft of aluminum tubes from the Matanzas viaduct railing, as authorities also crack down on transformer dielectric oil theft that leaves communities without power. Energy & Transport for Health: Holguín commissioned eco-friendly cars to improve patient transport for hemodialysis, starting with test runs and routes to major hospitals. Tech & Investment (Global, Cuba-relevant): Philadelphia’s FORT Robotics plans a Nasdaq listing via a SPAC merger, pitching its “Trust Layer” safety stack for physical AI—an example of the kind of automation Cuba’s IT and AI initiatives are trying to prepare for.

Energy & Power Crisis: Russia delivered humanitarian aid to Cuba amid the energy crunch, including food, flashlights, USB drives, and first-aid kits, as Havana struggles with shortages of medicines, fuel, and basic goods. Retail & Payments: In Santiago de Cuba’s “Aguilera Cultural Plaza,” self-employed vendors were fined for not accepting electronic transfers, highlighting the mismatch between forced digital collection and suppliers that still demand cash or foreign currency. Food & Fuel Access: A Havana resident paid $99 for an 8 kg gas cylinder via CubaMax after 20+ days of outages and gas shortages, underscoring how even money doesn’t guarantee supply. Local Industry & Jobs: Holguín’s wrapper processing unit marked 10 years, stressing efficiency and quality for exported tobacco. Agriculture & Community Services: Las Tunas reopened and inaugurated multiple social works tied to Fidel Castro’s centenary, including a hardware store, purified water point, carpentry workshop, and a renovated nursing home. Tech & Connectivity: China’s Qianfan is presented as a satellite internet option for Cuba, as the island’s connectivity remains constrained. Sanctions & Tourism: A report says U.S. sanctions have pushed Cuba’s tourism near zero, leaving hotels empty and workers jobless. Business Climate: Camagüey price-control inspections sparked backlash over hidden goods and limited availability of essentials like chicken and oil.

Cuban Economy & Trade: Mexico’s exports to Cuba collapsed 97.1% year-on-year, falling from $127.3M (June 2025) to just $3.6M (June 2026), with mineral products/petroleum derivatives driving both the boom and the bust after Pemex halted crude shipments in January 2026. Energy & Infrastructure: Cuba’s Hermanos Díaz refinery in Santiago de Cuba completed a third domestic-crude processing run, producing about 2,000 tons of naphtha and 10,000 tons of fuel oil, underscoring local engineering work amid the energy squeeze. Public Health Logistics: Santiago de Cuba received new ambulances to improve urgent patient transport and technical systems. Humanitarian Aid: Russia’s Civic Chamber and ICAP-linked efforts delivered food, sweets, flashlights, USB drives, and first-aid kits during Fidel centenary events. Local Social Services: Camagüey inaugurated the “13 de Agosto” children’s center in Nuevitas (capacity 35), funded via the municipality’s one percent local development contribution. Business & Prices: A viral visit to Havana’s National Aquarium highlighted steep private-sector pricing, with outrage focused on high admission and marine show costs. Weather Risk: Meteorologists warn August is Cuba’s highest cyclone-risk window, with peak activity likely in late August through early September. International Solidarity & Culture: An Irish club’s Che Guevara-themed kit campaign says 30% of profits will support Cuba Vive and MediCuba Europe, targeting healthcare shortages tied to the embargo.

Energy & Power Reliability: Matanzas’ Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant says it’s back online and generating 190 MW, but Cubans respond with skepticism after years of frequent outages and short-lived reconnections. Transport & Fuel Shortages: A photo of Havana’s National Bus Terminal shows it eerily empty, blamed on the energy blockade and fuel scarcity, highlighting how mobility is collapsing. Grid Security & Theft: Santiago de Cuba reports thieves stealing dielectric oil from transformer banks, worsening an already fragile power system and triggering more outages. Public Works Safety: Matanzas’ General Lacret Morlot Bridge lost a section of railing, leaving pedestrians—especially elderly walkers—exposed, with officials citing maintenance issues and possible vandalism. Local Governance & Reform Debate: Economist Pedro Monreal argues the regime’s 176 economic measures lack a macroeconomic stabilization axis, turning “partial liberalization” into a directionless overhaul. Economic Strain in Daily Life: In Matanzas, people wait hours for rides as fuel and transport shortages intensify, with drivers demanding high prices even for short trips. Food & Subsidy Uncertainty: Discussion grows around the future of Cuba’s ration book as the government moves toward controlled sales without subsidy. Cultural & Political Friction: MINFAR’s “Year of Preparation for Defense 2026” post sparks mockery online, while a Fidel Castro billboard in Holguín is smeared with red paint. Industry & Labor Links: A U.S. report claims a Cuban diplomat briefed a major defense union on lobbying to change U.S. policy toward Cuba. Diaspora & Policy Dialogue: Cubans in Europe will hold their 18th meeting in France on Oct. 23–24 to discuss reforms, culture, and ties with the island.

Energy & Daily Life: Havana’s Malecón is drawing more people for swimming and cooling off despite the ban as blackouts stretch past 20 hours a day and heat worsens daily hardship. Food Subsidy Shift: A new debate is heating up around Cuba’s “ration book” as the government moves from the regulated family basket toward controlled sales without subsidy for some foods, raising fears of what happens next for households. Local Power Repairs: In Cienfuegos, residents mocked a state electric company’s celebration of linemen after transformer work, pointing to ongoing long outages and warning that some areas still lack power. Agriculture & Prices: A viral question about why there’s no oil on the island—amid reports of oil prices reaching up to 7,000 pesos per bottle—has reignited blame arguments over shortages and the regulated basket’s failures. Industry/Manufacturing: With school uniforms no longer reliably supplied by the State, private businesses in Havana are producing and selling made-to-order garments at prices many families struggle to afford. Mining/Finance: Sherritt International faces a control fight as a Glencore-led consortium proposes new equity tied to restarting or reshaping its nickel-cobalt operations linked to Cuba. Policy/International: Cuba’s economic opening and sanctions pressure remain in focus, with renewed calls for changes and international support amid tightening U.S. pressure.

Energy & Food Supply Shock: Cuba’s cooking oil crunch is worsening into a “grease strike,” with pork fat also scarce and queues starting at dawn as substitutes fail to arrive and prices stay out of reach. Energy & Power Infrastructure: In Havana’s Guanabacoa, Díaz-Canel pushed “local solutions” for outages, waste buildup, and water problems tied to June’s municipal autonomy and price decentralization push. Retail Payments vs Real Supply Chains: Holguín retailers face a dead end: they must accept CUP transfers from customers, but key suppliers tied to hubs like Mariel often demand USD or cash, leaving merchants with unusable digital balances. Agribusiness & Imports: China delivered a third 15,000-ton rice shipment (part of 60,000 tons total) as emergency food aid, with Cuba’s foreign minister framing it as solidarity amid the crisis. Industry & Refining: Granma reports the Hermanos Díaz refinery completed a third run on Cuban crude, producing naphtha and fuel oil while adapting to heavy, acidic, sulfur-heavy inputs. Education & Consumer Costs: The state appears to have stepped back from school uniforms, pushing production and sales to private businesses at higher prices, leaving some families priced out. Sports Development: Cuban youth baseball is stuck in months without competition after the national commission suspended Sub-12/Sub-15/Sub-18 events, citing the energy crisis and transport limits. Diplomacy & Sanctions Pressure: Cuba’s FM Bruno Rodríguez denounced U.S. “maximum pressure” aimed at cutting external income, while reporting the Trump approach is shifting toward sanctions and economic strangulation rather than military options.

US Sanctions Pressure: Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced Washington’s “maximum pressure” as a bid to choke the island’s external income, citing OFAC fines totaling over $4B and restrictions hitting remittances and key financial entities. Energy & Food Strain: With Fidel Castro’s centenary coinciding with a deepening crisis, AP reports Cuba facing an intensifying squeeze tied to a fuel blockade and sanctions, while official press admits the state has “little or nothing” room to fight inflation—especially as vegetable oil prices soar. Power-Grid Fallout: Residents in Havana’s Alamar warn of months of intermittent outages, and new “solineras” in Villa Clara are aimed at easing the energy crunch. International Solidarity: Namibia’s president called for the complete lifting of the US embargo against Cuba, linking the policy to UN principles and highlighting Cuba’s role in African liberation. Diplomatic & Labor Friction: The US Senate launched an investigation into the IAM over alleged ties to Cuba, after a Cuba-related event at a union venue. Cuban Media Loss: Radio announcer René González Dussac, a National Radio Prize winner, died in Havana after decades in broadcasting.

Sanctions Push: Bloomberg reports the Trump administration is shifting Cuba policy toward tighter sanctions and economic pressure, aiming to cut regime revenue and create internal fractures rather than pursue a military option. Humanitarian Fallout: The UN warns that “overcompliance” by shipping, insurers, and banks is blocking vital aid to Cuba, delaying medicines and health supplies amid fuel shortages and power outages. Energy Workarounds: Residents in Alamar, Havana, say the Al53 circuit faces months of frequent, brief outages that disrupt appliances and building water pumps; meanwhile Villa Clara inaugurated two solar “solineras” to help residents charge devices and small electric vehicles during the crisis. Food Prices Shock: In Las Tunas, an egg reportedly costs 135 CUP, sparking outrage and comparisons to local wages as Cubans report similarly high prices elsewhere. Food Production Drive: Cuban leaders urged increased output during a visit to Santiago de las Vegas, focusing on water, healthcare energy security, and renewable use. Diplomatic Pressure: Namibia renewed calls for the unconditional lifting of the U.S. embargo during Fidel Castro’s centenary events. Regional Tensions: The Dominican Republic expelled nine Cuban diplomats, citing diplomatic procedures without details.

Sanctions Pressure & Humanitarian Fallout: UN warns US sanctions are making shippers, insurers, and banks “overcomply,” delaying cancer drugs and water-treatment equipment for Cuba. Energy Crisis & Daily Disruptions: Havana reports a major water-duct breakdown leaving parts of eastern neighborhoods without service, with schedules to be announced as repairs continue. US Cuba Policy Escalation: Reports say Washington is putting military options against Cuba on hold while leaning on economic pressure; US officials also reiterate “all options” language. Diplomatic Friction: Cuba condemns the Dominican Republic’s expulsion of Cuban diplomats as submission to US policy, amid wider regional alignment shifts. Renewables Push: Cuba marks Fidel’s centenary while continuing solar expansion, including new charging infrastructure aimed at easing power shortages. Industry & Logistics Angle: The week’s Cuba coverage keeps circling the same bottleneck—fuel, shipping, and finance constraints that ripple through production, transport, and basic services.

Price Controls Backfire: Cuba’s plan to ease price caps is being undermined as provinces reintroduce controls, add inspections and fines, and even impose a mandatory 30% profit margin in places like Artemisa, Matanzas, and Holguín. Energy Crisis, Fidel at 100: As Cuba marks Fidel Castro’s centenary, the backdrop is worsening shortages and power cuts tied to the U.S. energy embargo, with officials blaming “genocide” while many question whether the system can deliver. China Steps In on Food and Power: Cuba received a third 15,000-ton rice shipment from China (part of 60,000 tons), and also continues solar support with new photovoltaic systems aimed at rural electrification and critical services. Mining Deal Watch: U.S. investors are positioning to gain control of Sherritt International’s nickel and cobalt operation in Moa, a major Cuban asset tied to decades-old confiscations. Regional Friction: The Dominican Republic expelled Cuban diplomatic officials, escalating tensions amid U.S.-led regional security efforts. Solar for Industry: In Holguín, Ingeco Construction is shifting parts of its operations toward photovoltaic backup to keep road and asphalt work running during outages. GAESA Scrutiny: A U.S.-linked analysis portrays GAESA as a dominant, opaque military-linked economic structure spanning ports, logistics, tourism, finance, and telecom.

Solar & Power Resilience: China delivered a second batch of 5,000 photovoltaic systems to Cuba, aimed at rural communities, health centers, nurseries, and bank branches, as Havana pushes a faster energy transition amid grid strain and U.S. pressure. U.S.-Cuba Tensions: Cuba’s ambassador to Nigeria urged support to lift the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade, tying the centenary diplomacy to ongoing independence concerns. Energy Infrastructure Push: Cuba also opened new solar charging capacity for electric vehicles, signaling continued investment in renewables and charging networks during the worst power crisis. Political Spotlight: Raul Castro made a rare public appearance in Havana for Fidel’s centenary event, drawing attention as the U.S. has indicted him and Cuba faces deep economic strain. Fidel at 100: Cuba marked Fidel Castro’s centenary with official tributes and public debate over his legacy, while international solidarity events echoed across Africa and beyond.

Vehicle Rules Update: Cuba’s new regulations for buying, selling, importing, assembling, and transferring vehicles are now in effect, including one-time direct import options for individuals for certain electric cars/rural vehicles and tax/tariff exemptions if paired with renewable-powered charging. Energy & Renewables: Cuba continues expanding solar capacity, with new solar charging stations and the Los Cocos photovoltaic park in Holguín’s Baguanos feeding the grid while batteries help stabilize output amid fluctuations. Power Crisis Reality Check: Reports describe worsening blackouts and fuel shortages across Havana and beyond, with daily life disrupted and families struggling to secure basic food and services. Private Sector Crackdown: In Sancti Spíritus, inspectors issued 200+ fines and closed private businesses over pricing and electronic payment compliance, sparking backlash over a “witch hunt” approach. Cost-of-Living & Policy Critique: Economist Pedro Monreal says price policy failures amount to “legal looting,” pointing to contradictions between national deregulation plans and renewed local controls. Diplomacy & Sanctions Pressure: Cuba rejects U.S. human-trafficking accusations as slander, while the CIA reportedly sets up a Cuba-focused task force to monitor and pressure Havana. Fidel Centenary & Politics: Multiple items mark Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday, including international events and local youth activities in Holguín/Birán, underscoring how the centenary is being used alongside ongoing economic strain.

Energy & Transport: Cuba inaugurated its first fast and ultra-fast solar “solinera” charging station near Santa Clara on the National Highway, run by private MSME Solguara and operating outside the national grid—able to charge EVs plus phones, fans, and rechargeable lamps (some free), as blackouts stretch past 20 hours. Renewables Policy: Cuba also received another 5,000 photovoltaic systems from China and is expanding renewable energy incentives, alongside tariff exemptions for importing solar and related equipment through Dec. 2027. Power Crisis Context: Multiple reports this week tie the rollout to worsening shortages and prolonged outages, with UN and diplomatic voices warning that the energy blockade is hitting food production and basic medicines. Labor & Industry Signals: Guantánamo recognized union members across health, agriculture, forestry, tobacco, and food sectors, highlighting continued push for exportable goods and import substitution. Diplomacy: Cuba’s ambassador to South Africa urged Parliament to mobilize international support to end U.S. sanctions, citing fuel cuts, longer power outages, and rising humanitarian impacts. Culture/Publishing (Industry Angle): Ocean Sur launched “Revolution Collection,” a new editorial series compiling Fidel Castro’s speeches and writings—another push to keep Cuba’s political and cultural publishing ecosystem active amid crisis.