The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, expressed his frustration during a visit to the Holguin municipality of Antilla. In front of state transport workers, he once again criticized those providing services in the private sector.
Marrero Cruz reprimanded the transport workers of Antilla after public transport buses were grounded due to a lack of fuel, while private transport trucks continued to operate. When asked about the cost of transportation from Antilla to Holguín, Marrero Cruz was informed that it was 17 Cuban pesos, whereas private trucks charged 50 Cuban pesos.
"We are subsidizing the private sector to charge high prices for transportation," stated the Prime Minister.
Marrero Cruz remarked that if buses were handed over to the private sector, they would likely not be idle, as they were at that moment. "How can private transport be operational while state transport is paralyzed? On days when there is no fuel, there is none for anyone. But it cannot be that there is fuel for the private sector and not for the state sector, which offers affordable prices to the population," he said.
This is not the first time Marrero has directed "poisoned arrows" at private transporters, accusing the government of treating them with "leniency." Following the temporary halt in fuel sales in Cuba and the implementation of new tariffs on March 1st, the Cuban government announced a crackdown on private transporters who raised service prices.
Days later, the Prime Minister threatened to revoke licenses and even confiscate vehicles from anyone who increased service prices.
During a Council of Ministers meeting, he emphasized the responsibility of local governments to enforce regulations, issuing specific threats that exacerbate the situation.
However, what the Prime Minister seems to overlook are the disputes between government levels and transport workers, adding to the tensions in a sector so crucial to society.
A recent report by the official Santiago de Cuba channel Tele Turquino highlighted the sector's contradictions: private transporters claimed that adhering to government-set tariffs resulted in no profit, while the regime asserted that they could lower prices because they received fuel supplies.
A private transporter explained that they attempt to adhere to the established tariff but often end up charging more. He stated, "If we charge the government-set price all month, we don't make any profit."
Ultimately, it is the population that bears the brunt of these disagreements and contradictions between what is said and what is done.
Understanding the Challenges in Cuban Transportation
The ongoing disputes between the Cuban government and private transporters have led to significant challenges in the transportation sector. Below are some frequently asked questions to better understand the situation.
Why is there a conflict between state and private transport in Cuba?
The conflict arises because private transporters charge higher prices, while state transport is often paralyzed due to fuel shortages, leading to accusations of unfair advantages and subsidies.
What actions has the Cuban government taken against private transporters?
The government has threatened to revoke licenses and confiscate vehicles from private transporters who increase service prices beyond the set tariffs.
How do private transporters justify their higher prices?
Private transporters argue that adhering to government-set tariffs results in no profit, making it necessary to charge higher prices to sustain their operations.