Amidst the worsening fuel crisis in Cuba, drivers in Havana are enduring waits of up to five days just to purchase gasoline, according to various social media posts. Desperate posts in Facebook groups from the capital reveal the frustration of locals seeking effective gas selling points. One user lamented, "They forgot about CUPET la Alameda; we've been waiting five days and four nights in line," highlighting the severe shortage.
Pavel Bauzá Fusté, a worker from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared on Facebook that certain gas stations, such as the Cupet locations at G and 25, El Tángana, and the corner of 17 and L, have adopted a system to manage the queues. He explained, "Join the CUPET Tángana group on Telegram, and when it's open for registration, send a message with your license plate number and the type of gasoline you need. For example: P123456 R. Once registrations close, organizers release a document with each person's turn number and will use the group to notify when it's time to get the much-needed fuel."
He added that just this Wednesday, within 20 minutes, over 3,000 users registered through Telegram, underscoring the uncertainty and doubts surrounding fuel supply in the Cuban capital.
For days, Havana's drivers have been grappling with this issue, even dubbing the endless waits at gas stations "The Dry Queue," as they hope for eventual refueling. But the problem extends beyond the lengthy waits; the prices are exorbitant. Last Sunday, December 9th, an activist reported on social media that gasoline prices have surged in the informal market, reaching staggering amounts of up to 700 CUP per liter, with expectations to rise further to 1,000 pesos per liter, reminiscent of the massive October blackout prices.
Insights into Havana's Fuel Dilemma
Why are Havana drivers waiting so long for fuel?
Due to the ongoing fuel crisis, there are significant shortages leading to long waits for gasoline. The situation is exacerbated by inadequate supply and rising demand.
How are gas stations managing the queues?
Some stations have implemented a registration system via Telegram where users sign up with their license plate and fuel type. Organizers then distribute turn numbers and notify users when they can refuel.
What are the current prices for gasoline in Havana?
In the informal market, gasoline prices have skyrocketed to as much as 700 CUP per liter, with predictions of climbing to 1,000 pesos per liter, driven by scarcity and high demand.