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Cuba’s Worst Crisis Sparks Private-Sector Boom Despite Sanctions

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 03:07 UTC · How we work

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Summary

Cuba faces its worst economic crisis in decades because U.S. sanctions and a fuel blockade cause food and fuel shortages.
State-run institutions are failing, prompting a surge in private-sector activity.
Recent economic overhauls have opened Cuba’s market more than at any time since the 1959 revolution.
The Wall Street Journal obtained visas, reported on-the-ground, and described how the crisis is spurring a private-sector boom.

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Story summary

Cuba faces its worst economic crisis in decades because U.S. sanctions and a fuel blockade cause food and fuel shortages.
State-run institutions are failing, prompting a surge in private-sector activity.
Recent economic overhauls have opened Cuba’s market more than at any time since the 1959 revolution.
The Wall Street Journal obtained visas, reported on-the-ground, and described how the crisis is spurring a private-sector boom.