Gas Prices in Cuba: Stations Selling in Dollars
Anyone thinking of renting a car in Cuba soon asks about gas: how much a liter costs, where to buy it and whether there is any. In 2026 the answer has changed more than in the previous ten years. Since February, gasoline for the public has been sold in dollars only, since May each importer sets its own price, and since June Visa and Mastercard cards no longer work in the country.
This guide gives the price of gasoline in Cuba as published by the press and state companies, explains how that price is set (so the article stays useful even if the figure changes) and suggests how to plan your refueling if you are going to drive. Prices verified in October 2026. Where the sources disagree, we tell you and point you to who to ask.
We do not repeat here how to rent the car or the rules of the road: for that, see our guides to renting a car from abroad and driving in Cuba. Here we cover fuel only.
Official gas price in Cuba (October 2026)
The latest published rate is that of CIMEX, in force since May 15, 2026 at its gas stations. These are prices per liter, in dollars, for the public:
- Special gasoline B100: 2.60 USD (before the adjustment it was around 1.30).
- Special gasoline B94: 2.00 USD.
- Regular gasoline B90: 1.90 USD.
- Motor gasoline B83: 1.80 USD.
- Diesel: 2.00 USD for regular and 2.20 USD for special, although sales of diesel in dollars to the public have been suspended since February.
The number after the B is the octane rating. For a rental car, special or regular gasoline is the usual choice; the rental company will tell you which fuel your car takes.
What about the price in Cuban pesos (CUP)?
Since February 7, 2026, fuel sales in CUP have been suspended “until conditions allow”, according to the CIMEX announcement. For that reason there is currently no official gasoline price in CUP that we can give you. Any figure in pesos you see on social media comes from the informal market and varies by province and by day.
How the price is set (what does not expire)
In May 2026 the Ministry of Finance and Prices announced that fuel prices in foreign currency would no longer be fixed and uniform across the country. Each company authorized to import and sell fuel in dollars sets its retail price according to the real cost of importing it.
This has three practical consequences:
- The price per liter can change overnight and may differ between two gas station chains.
- The figure on the sign beats any article, this one included.
- The price follows the import cost, which in 2026 depends on the country’s supply crisis. If oil arrives in worse shape or at a higher cost, the price goes up.
That is why we give you the date of each piece of data and not a price promise. To budget, multiply the liters you expect to need by the price on the sign and leave a margin.
Gas stations selling in dollars: what is known and what is not
Since February 7, gasoline for the public has been sold in dollars only and only at gas stations authorized for it (B90 and B94 gasoline). To buy, you have to register on the Ticket platform, which assigns a turn and gives you 24 hours to use it. The announced limit was 20 liters per registration, and the October press still cites a maximum of 20 liters per person.
Part of the network is reserved for tourism. Several sources agree that rental cars have assigned gas stations, but they disagree on how much can be bought: 10 liters a day is cited in one July case and 20 liters a day in an April report. For long trips, one account mentions additional tickets of 20 to 30 liters issued by the agency. No published rule confirms this, so ask your rental company what daily quota you will have and at which stations.
One more detail worth remembering: the pumps run on electricity. During a blackout, a station that has gasoline may not be able to dispense it.
How to pay for gas without Visa or Mastercard
Visa and Mastercard have been suspended in Cuba since June 6, 2026. The Central Bank of Cuba stated that cash in foreign currency, the national prepaid cards Clásica and Tropical, and the international cards Mir and UnionPay remain valid.
What we have not been able to confirm is what each pump accepts. Guides from before June spoke of cards and advance payment, and other 2026 sources contradict each other on whether cash is accepted at tourist stations. The prudent approach is to carry two ways to pay: cash dollars in small bills, and if possible a Clásica card (it can be topped up at CADECA offices). Before setting out, ask the rental company how payment works at its stations. To review which currency and how much cash to bring, see what currency to bring to Cuba and how much cash to bring.
Shortages, lines and the informal market
The Cuban press reported in October 2026 waits of up to 26 hours in gas station lines, and in March other accounts spoke of 30 hours. Tourist cars usually have a better supply, but they are not safe: in July and August the press reported rental cars handed over with less gasoline than promised (18 liters instead of 35) and even with an empty tank.
Gasoline sold outside the stations
Gasoline is offered on the street at prices far above the official one: the October press puts the informal price per liter between 6 and 8 dollars. We do not recommend buying it, for three reasons:
- Legal risk: the authorities pursue the sale of diverted fuel. In October, the police seized almost 700 liters in Havana, and the press reports sentences of up to 12 years for stealing state fuel.
- Risk to the car: you do not know what is in it or where it comes from, and the engine belongs to the rental company.
- Scam risk: resales of line turns and of rental car quotas have been reported.
How full a tank the rental company hands over
There is no current public policy from Rex, Cubacar, Havanautos or Vía that we can cite. What there is, is 2026 data: some guides say that since July fuel is no longer prepaid with the contract and is replaced at the customer’s expense, while others mention a first tank included. And there are cases of cars handed over with 18 liters when 35 were promised.
Do this before leaving the counter:
- Ask in writing whether the contract includes a first tank and how many liters or what tank level they hand over.
- Photograph the instrument panel showing the needle and the date, and note the level in the contract.
- Ask which stations are assigned to you, the daily quota and how payment works there.
- Ask what happens on return: whether you must hand it back at the same level and what they charge if not.
- Keep the contract at hand, because at the gas station they may ask to see it.
How to plan refueling on the road
The 2026 rule is to plan by gas stations, not by kilometers. With that principle:
- Set out with a full tank whenever you can fill it, and refuel as soon as you can, without waiting for the reserve.
- Do not let the needle drop below half between cities.
- Work out the car’s range from its real consumption and subtract a 30% margin for traffic, heat and detours.
- Allow extra time for the line, especially on the day you have a flight or an appointment.
- Choose short stages and stay near a station that has been confirmed to you.
- Ask the host of your casa particular (private guesthouse) about the gas situation in the area.
If there is no gas: plan B
If a stretch is not possible, the alternative is a transfer booked in advance, which leaves the fuel problem in the driver’s hands. Compare the options in rental car or taxi between cities, and see our page on taxis in Cuba. Agree on the price before getting in, because a taxi can also be affected by the lack of fuel.
Frequently asked questions
How much does gas cost in Cuba in 2026?
According to the CIMEX rate in force since May 15, 2026, 1.80 dollars per liter for B83 motor gasoline, 1.90 for B90 regular, 2.00 for B94 special and 2.60 for B100. Each importer sets its own price, so confirm the sign at the station.
Can you pay for gas in Cuban pesos?
Not officially. Fuel sales in CUP have been suspended since February 7, 2026, and it is sold only in dollars at authorized gas stations.
How do you pay for gas if Visa and Mastercard do not work?
Cash in foreign currency, Clásica and Tropical cards, Mir and UnionPay remain valid. What each pump accepts is not confirmed: ask the rental company and bring cash dollars.
Is there a limit on liters per purchase?
Yes. The announced limit is 20 liters per person at gas stations selling in dollars. For rental cars, daily quotas of 10 or 20 liters are cited, with no public rule to confirm it.
How much gas does a rental car come with?
It varies and there is no confirmed public policy. Cars with fewer liters than promised have been reported. Ask in writing for the handover level and photograph the instrument panel.
Is it safe to buy gas from private sellers?
We do not recommend it. It sells for 6 or 8 dollars per liter, there is legal risk from the sale of diverted fuel and risk to the car’s engine.
Plan your route with a margin
The price of gas in Cuba is the least of it today: what matters is having fuel when you need it. Check the sign, carry cash in small bills and always set out with a margin. If your casa particular is on the route, ask us and we will check with the host, and if you would rather not drive, we can advise you on transfers.
