The US dollar reaches this Monday seven consecutive days at 500 Cuban pesos (CUP) in the informal market, thus consolidating its historic high and confirming that the new ceiling reached last week has already become a stable reference.
According to the data published by the independent observatory elTOQUE, the dollar remains at 500 CUP, the euro continues at 560 CUP and the Convertible Currency (MLC) stands at 405 CUP.
Informal exchange rate in Cuba Monday, February 16, 2026 - 05:30
- Exchange rate of the dollar (USD) to Cuban pesos CUP: 500 CUP
- Exchange rate of the euro (EUR) to Cuban pesos CUP: 560 CUP
- Exchange rate from (MLC) to Cuban pesos CUP: 405 CUP
The central point is not the daily variation—virtually non-existent—but rather the duration of the record. After surpassing the psychological barrier of 500 CUP for the first time last week, the dollar has not declined. There has been no sharp correction or downward adjustment, indicating that the market has accepted this level as a new baseline.
Exchange Rate Evolution
The euro, for its part, also remains at historical highs of 560 CUP, solidifying its position as the strongest currency in the informal market. Its performance has been even more dynamic in recent weeks, consistently widening the gap against the Cuban peso.
The MLC confirms a different pattern. After fluctuating between 400 and 410 CUP in recent days, it is now positioned at 405 CUP, reflecting more contained movements and a reduced influence on the overall market.
This scenario occurs against the backdrop of an economy marked by the energy crisis, persistent inflation, and a shortage of foreign currency. Unlike previous episodes of accelerated volatility, the current market shows no signs of panic, but rather of structural consolidation.
The fact that the dollar has remained at its historical high for a full week reveals something deeper than a mere temporary increase: it indicates that the informal market has redefined the value of the Cuban peso without the need for further shocks.
Meanwhile, the so-called "floating rate" of the Central Bank continues to adjust gradually, but without bridging the gap with the street rate. The result is a situation where the record is no longer exceptional and becomes the new norm.
Seven days at 500 CUP is not a statistical anecdote. It is confirmation that the depreciation of the Cuban peso is no longer advancing sporadically, but rather through consolidation.
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