The Cuban government has extended the authorization for the non-commercial importation of electric generators over 900 watts until September 30, 2024, amidst a prolonged energy crisis that has plagued the nation for several years. The Resolution 212/2024, issued by the Minister of Finance and Prices, Vladimir Regueiro Ale, and published this Thursday by La Gaceta de Cuba, aims to alleviate the energy difficulties faced by citizens.
The document emphasizes that this authorization facilitates the importation of electric generators without commercial limits, streamlining their clearance by the General Customs of the Republic. Initially established in Resolution 218 of August 2022, the measure intends to support citizens in overcoming energy challenges, ensuring access to alternative energy sources until the end of September this year.
Since its inception, the government's decision has been extended multiple times due to persistent issues in the national energy system, which, according to the regime, would remain critical until June of this year. However, in subsequent statements, leader Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted there were no guarantees that the summer months would pass without disruptions to the electrical service.
Owning an electric generator in Cuba, however, brings additional challenges, as fuel acquisition often occurs in MLC (Freely Convertible Currency). Moreover, the regime mandates that individuals transport their generators to gas stations; otherwise, they cannot obtain the fuel.
The measure to allow the importation of electric generators until September is part of a series of resolutions approved this Thursday by the Cuban government. Among them is the extension of the tariff exemption on food, hygiene products, and medicines for travelers arriving from abroad, as announced in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba No. 57, Ordinary Edition.
The regulation "exceptionally and temporarily authorizes until September 30, 2024, the non-commercial importation, without value limits, and exempt from customs duty, of food, hygiene products, medicines, and medical supplies, through passengers as accompanied baggage."
The government insists that this measure is "exceptional" and acknowledges it is due to the persistent shortages and limitations in the supply of food and other essential products in the country.
Understanding the Cuban Government's Extension on Generator Imports
To provide more clarity on the recent extension of generator imports by the Cuban government, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why did the Cuban government extend the generator import authorization?
The Cuban government extended the authorization to mitigate the ongoing energy crisis and provide citizens with alternative energy sources.
What challenges do Cuban citizens face when owning a generator?
Citizens face challenges such as acquiring fuel in MLC and transporting generators to gas stations to obtain fuel.
What other measures were included in the recent resolutions by the Cuban government?
Other measures include the extension of the tariff exemption on food, hygiene products, and medicines for travelers arriving from abroad.