OrganisationCU

Ministry of Energy and Mines (Cuba)

Cuban ministry responsible for energy, petroleum and mining policy.

Since 19 October 2026, Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines has held the endorsement role for new petroleum concessions before Cabinet approval.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026

Key Question

Will Cuba's new petroleum concessions attract investors during its energy crisis?

Timeline for Ministry of Energy and Mines (Cuba)

#15 16 Oct

Mentioned in: Fire hits Cuban power plant in Mayabeque

Cuba Dispatch

#15 12 Oct

Presented the new concession regime

Cuba Dispatch: Cuba offers oil fields on 30-year terms

#15 2 Oct

Closed one concession and ended seven others

Cuba Dispatch: Cuba halts one mine and ends seven more

View full timeline →

Background

Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines, known as MINEM, directs policy across electricity, oil and gas, mining, geology, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Its public functions span The National power system and the regulation of extractive industries. That range makes it the central ministry for both Cuba's electricity supply and the development of domestic energy resources.

Within the petroleum-concession system, MINEM reviews and endorses applications before the Council of Ministers decides whether to grant a concession. The ministry also administers mining concessions and publishes sector resolutions. Its role is regulatory and supervisory: final petroleum authority remains with the Cabinet, while state companies and approved concessionaires conduct operations.

Key Issues

Oil concessions

The ministry screens petroleum applicants

From 19 October 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Mines became the technical gatekeeper for applications under Cuba's new petroleum-concession regime. Eligible private Cuban firms and cooperatives can apply, but the ministry must endorse an application before the Council of Ministers makes the final decision.

The framework published on 12 October 2026 places that screening role inside the ministry's existing oil and gas remit. For the ministry, the change adds private applicants to a sector still based on state ownership of deposits and Cabinet control of concessions. It must assess proposals while Cuba seeks new exploration capital during a severe energy shortage.

Common Questions

What does Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines oversee?

MINEM covers electricity, oil and gas, mining, geology, renewable energy and energy efficiency in Cuba.Source: MINEM

What role does MINEM have in Cuba's new oil concessions?

MINEM endorses petroleum-concession applications and obtains the opinion of The National mineral-resources office before the Council of Ministers decides them.Source: Gaceta Oficial No. 85

Why did MINEM close the Castellanos-Santa Lucía concession?

Minera del Caribe cited external technical and economic problems involving logistics, exports and the energy deficit. MINEM authorised the full temporary closure through 30 January 2027.Source: Resolution 49/2026, Gaceta Oficial No. 91

Source Material

Resolución 49/2026 Gaceta Oficial No. 85 Ordinaria Ministerio de Energía y Minas

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.