In the midst of Cuba's ongoing energy crisis, an activist recently revealed on social media that gasoline prices have skyrocketed on the black market, reaching astonishing levels. Johanna Jolá Álvarez, the activist in question, took to Facebook to express her alarm at the current state of affairs, stating, “I was just offered gasoline at 700 CUP per liter. I’m at a loss for words. What a terrible reality we are living in!” Her post was accompanied by emojis reflecting her shock and dismay.
In the comments section, Álvarez, who leads the solidarity project “Huellas,” voiced her concerns about the challenges in collecting donations due to the fuel shortage. “My desperation with fuel is precisely because I can’t collect donations. Our people in Guantánamo truly need help... it’s chaotic there,” she remarked.
She went on to describe the dire conditions of extreme poverty plaguing the region: “I have never seen a community so abandoned. It breaks your soul to see such extreme misery, such survival at the edge of what is humanly possible.” Álvarez shared heart-wrenching stories of children who consume concoctions with herbs because their parents have nothing else to give them, which she labeled as a “devastating” reality, worsened by the absence of government intervention in this crisis.
Numerous commenters confirmed the severity of the gasoline crisis across various parts of Cuba. Himerio Martínez Cañedo, a resident of Guanabacoa, recounted his observations: “I live across from the Cupet at Corral Falso, and drivers along with queue jumpers have been sleeping on my porch for four days, enduring the chilly early mornings and even the rain that fell yesterday.” Martínez cautioned that prices might continue to climb, warning, “In a few days, it might reach a thousand.” He also expressed concern over the extreme conditions faced by the populace due to this crisis, hoping for improvement soon.
“This has been ongoing for some time. The first time the National Electric System (SEN) failed, it reached 1,000 pesos per liter,” reported Luis Villalobos Argilagos. The online commenter hinted that the rising demand for gasoline may be linked to the need to power electric generators many families use in response to frequent blackouts.
The fuel crisis extends beyond Havana. In Cienfuegos, the Provincial Government of People's Power announced a series of strict measures to regulate gasoline sales in the region. This set of regulations, effective since December 2, 2024, aims to combat irregularities and prevent criminal activities related to fuel distribution amidst a severe national energy crisis. The directive imposes limits on the amount of fuel individuals can purchase and specifies designated sales locations.
Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz also recently highlighted the island’s fuel difficulties. He recounted being lent a car, only to find himself stranded without gasoline. “I started calling friends, the rescue brigade, and nobody could help,” he wrote, capturing the precariousness of the situation without losing his signature humor. After two hours, a friend named Albertico arrived to assist him, but, as is often the case in Cuba, he too was out of gas.
The situation also affects the Gazelle minibus service in Havana, where only 60% of the fleet is operational due to the insufficiency of the 9,800 liters of diesel allocated daily, according to the Ministry of Transport.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Gasoline Shortages
What has caused the gasoline prices to rise so dramatically in Cuba?
The significant rise in gasoline prices is attributed to a severe energy crisis, leading to a shortage of fuel which is then sold at inflated rates on the black market.
How is the fuel shortage impacting daily life in Cuba?
The fuel shortage is severely affecting daily life, hindering the collection of donations, limiting transportation options, and exacerbating the hardships faced by those living in extreme poverty.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the crisis?
The government has implemented strict regulations to control gasoline sales, aiming to curb irregularities and criminal activities, although these measures have yet to alleviate the crisis effectively.