Pause for the dollar and the euro, but the MLC surprises with a strong rise in Cuba

Latest News
By CiberCuba Editorial Team

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - 10:19

MLC cards (I) and Cuban money, euros, and dollars (D)Photo © Collage ACN - CiberCuba

The MLC (Freely Convertible Currency) is the center of attention this Wednesday, showcasing the most striking movement in the informal currency market in Cuba, with a significant rise that contrasts with the pause of the dollar and euro after several days of upward pressure.

At 10:00 a.m. local Cuban time, places the MLC at around 539 Cuban pesos (CUP), while the US dollar remains at 698 CUP and the euro is around 795 CUP.

The MLC is trading around 539 CUP, with a buying reference of 459 CUP and a selling reference of 618 CUP. Its value has increased by 29.5 pesos compared to the previous day, which is equivalent to a rise of 5.8%.

The movement is even more significant in the weekly comparison: compared to the 462 CUP recorded a week ago, the MLC has accumulated an increase of 77 pesos, equivalent to 16.7%.

Exchange Rate Evolution

During the last month, its price has fluctuated between a low of 408 CUP and a high of 542 CUP, so the current value places it very close to the upper end of that range.

While the MLC surprises with an increase, the U.S. dollar remains at 698 CUP, with a buy rate at 695 CUP and a sell rate at 700 CUP.

The US dollar shows no variation compared to Tuesday and, at least for the moment, puts a pause on the upward trend of the past few weeks.

The dollar is still, however, on the brink of 700 CUP. In seven days, it has increased by 11 pesos compared to the 687 CUP from a week ago, an advance of 1.6%.

The comparison over 30 days places it 34 pesos above the 664 CUP recorded in mid-August, although this difference may partially reflect methodological adjustments to the index.

During the last month, the US dollar has fluctuated between a low of 663 CUP and the current high of 698 CUP, reflecting the ongoing pressure that the Cuban peso is experiencing in the informal market.

For its part, the euro is quoted at 795 CUP, with a purchase price of 790 CUP and a selling price of 800 CUP. The variation compared to the previous day is only half a peso, so in practice, the European currency remains stable and at its highest levels in the last month.

In one week, the euro has gained 17.5 pesos from 778 CUP, which is an increase of 2.3%. Thirty days ago, it was around 760 CUP, although that comparison may also be influenced by methodological adjustments.

During that period, the European currency has recorded a low of 746 CUP and now reaches a high of 795 CUP. The euro surpasses the dollar by 97 pesos in the Cuban informal market.

Exchange rate from MLC to CUP: 539 CUP.
Exchange rate of the dollar USD to CUP: 698 CUP.
Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP: 795 CUP.

Meanwhile, the official exchange rate of the Central Bank of Cuba for Segment III is set at 662 CUP per dollar and 764 CUP per euro, still below the values observed in the informal market.

The difference is 36 pesos for the dollar, between the 662 CUP official rate and the 698 CUP in the parallel market. For the euro, the gap reaches 31 pesos, comparing the 764 CUP official rate with the 795 CUP informal rate.

Although Segment III was presented as a more flexible currency mechanism, the difference in operations between individuals continues to reflect the pressure of foreign currency demand in the Cuban economy.