# Crisis-hit Cuba opens pharmacies, gas stations to private firms 2026-08-08T05:49:37+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Cuba's communist government on Wednesday lifted restrictions on private firms in gas distribution, electricity generation, waste collection, and medicine manufacturing, as the US fuel embargo deepens acute shortages. Private companies may now sell petrol, import vehicles, and operate trash collection services. The decree comes after five nationwide blackouts this year and severe fuel shortages after Washington took control of Venezuela's energy assets. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero said a foreign investment project for fuel import has been approved. Economist Daniel Torralbas warned that Cuban small firms lack the capital to invest, making foreign funds essential. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: blackouts, Cuba, economic reforms, fuel shortage, private sector, US embargo Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/crisis-hit-cuba-opens-pharmacies-gas-stations-to-private-firms/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/crisis-hit-cuba-opens-pharmacies-gas-stations-to-private-firms/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.