USA Rules and Cuba's Economy

May 9, 2026, 13:18
Latin AmericaInternational

Introduction

The USA stopped oil from going to Cuba. This caused big problems with energy and money in Cuba.

Main Body

Cuba has very little fuel. Gas prices went up from $1 to $10. Small businesses cannot pay for transport now. It is too expensive to buy fuel legally. The USA also stopped business with a big Cuban company called GAESA. This company is run by the military. Now, foreign companies are leaving Cuba because they are afraid of USA laws. Cuba is changing its rules to help. Now, people can start small businesses. They can also import solar power tools. Private people can now work in mining and sugar.

Conclusion

Cuba has no energy and is alone. The government now lets private businesses help the country.

Learning

⚡️ The 'Change' Pattern

Look at how the story describes things moving from Old → New.

1. Price Movement

  • 1→1 → 10
  • Pattern: Go up (Increase)

2. Rule Changes

  • Before: No small businesses.
  • Now: People can start small businesses.
  • Pattern: Use 'can' to show a new possibility.

3. Action Words (Simple Present)

  • Stop (The USA stopped...)
  • Leave (Companies are leaving...)
  • Help (Businesses help the country...)

💡 Quick Tip for A2: When you want to say something is different now, use: "Now, [Person] can [Action]."

Example from text: "Now, people can start small businesses."

Vocabulary Learning

energy
the power that makes things work
Example:Energy is needed to run machines.
fuel
a substance that can be burned to give power
Example:Cuba has very little fuel.
transport
the act of moving people or goods from one place to another
Example:Small businesses cannot pay for transport now.
expensive
costing a lot of money
Example:It is too expensive to buy fuel legally.
legally
in a way that follows the law
Example:It is too expensive to buy fuel legally.
military
the armed forces of a country
Example:This company is run by the military.
foreign
from another country
Example:Foreign companies are leaving Cuba.
afraid
feeling fear or worry about something
Example:They are afraid of USA laws.
rules
a set of instructions or laws that people must follow
Example:Cuba is changing its rules to help.
import
to bring goods from another country into your own
Example:They can also import solar power tools.