Council of Ministers (Cuba)
Cuba's Cabinet and highest executive administrative body.
Since 19 October 2026, Cuba's Council of Ministers has been the final authority for petroleum concessions, including applications from eligible private Cuban firms and cooperatives.
Last refreshed: 22 October 2026
Will Cuba's cabinet approve private applicants for new petroleum concessions?
Timeline for Council of Ministers (Cuba)
Cuba offers oil fields on 30-year terms
Cuba DispatchBackground
The Council of Ministers is Cuba's Cabinet and its highest executive and administrative body. The Constitution defines it as the Government of the Republic. It is headed by the prime minister and includes deputy prime ministers, ministers, the secretary and other members established by law. The Council reports periodically to the National Assembly.
Its remit spans state administration, foreign trade, foreign investment and other national policy within executive authority. In the petroleum sector, the Council grants concessions and approves eligible Cuban private applicants after technical review. That role fits its wider function: ministries prepare and administer policy, while the Cabinet decides matters reserved to the Government. The new oil framework places final concession authority at that level.
The cabinet controls petroleum concessions
Since 19 October 2026, Cuba's Council of Ministers has held final authority over petroleum concessions under Decree-Law 135/2026. The Cabinet grants concessions after the prescribed review and must approve direct exercise by eligible Cuban private firms or non-agricultural cooperatives.
The framework published on 12 October 2026 allows concession terms of up to 30 years, with a possible ten-year extension. For the Council of Ministers, this makes each award a Cabinet decision rather than a ministry licence alone. The Ministry of Energy and Mines screens applications, but the Council retains political and administrative control over who may exploit state-owned deposits.
What is Cuba's Council of Ministers?
Who sits on Cuba's Council of Ministers?
Who approves petroleum concessions in Cuba?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.