As the year draws to a close, Cubans face a grim reality, not only due to ongoing power outages but also because of a severe fuel shortage that forces people to wait in lines stretching up to six blocks just to purchase fuel. In Havana, drivers endure waits of five to six days in long queues hoping to secure gasoline, as reported by numerous social media posts.
Alejandro Rodríguez Díaz shared photos on Facebook of the CUPET Alameda in Santa Catalina, in the 10 de Octubre municipality, where he has been waiting in line since Sunday, "morning, afternoon, evening, and overnight."
"We've been waiting for any official information from CUPET or the municipal government, or even the Virgin Mary. This lack of communication is what frustrates us the most. How hard is it for a government official (just two blocks from CUPET) to come over and talk with us? How difficult is it to announce a potential supply schedule from CUPET?" he questioned.
Meanwhile, Armando Caos shared a video of the line for gasoline at the CUPET on 112 and 5th Avenue, in Playa municipality, sarcastically noting, "where the laziest people live."
"There are more than six blocks of cars on both lanes, and many say they've been in line for three to four days, but it doesn't matter, it moves forward, and that hurts us," he commented wryly.
Yudi Ramos, residing in El Vedado, also criticized the disrespect and lack of information. "The CUPET stations have been facing endless lines for a week, and there's no sign of fuel. Neither the NTV nor the State, nor the Minister of Energy provide any information," she emphasized.
Johanna Jolá Álvarez, leader of the solidarity initiative Huellas, highlighted that the issues extend beyond spending days in lines to get fuel.
"Endless lines for bottled gas. Even chicken has vanished following the latest Resolution aimed at making the end of 2024 even more unbearable. What a sad year-end we are experiencing as a people," she expressed on Facebook.
A reader of CiberCuba expressed indignation over the plight of thousands of young and elderly drivers who are taxi operators or transport patients in need of dialysis.
"It's unjust that men with over 40 years of work experience spend 24 hours in a gasoline line at the CUPET on Zapata just to refuel a state car used to transport patients because their assigned CUPET has no fuel. It's criminal that these drivers spend 24 hours trying to do their jobs, an almost impossible task due to the crisis. It's unfair to place this burden on the drivers. This is the responsibility of the company and the government," he pointed out.
Drivers have dubbed the endless lines at fuel stations "The Dry Queue" as they wait for a filled tanker to arrive. However, the issue isn't just the interminable lines but also the skyrocketing prices. Last Sunday, December 9, an activist reported on social media that gasoline prices have surged in the informal market, reaching exorbitant rates, up to 700 CUP per liter. All indications are that prices will continue to rise, potentially reaching 1,000 pesos per liter, similar to the situation during the massive blackout in October.
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Crisis
Why are Cubans facing long fuel lines?
Cubans are dealing with extended fuel lines due to a severe shortage of gasoline, exacerbated by a lack of official communication and logistical challenges in fuel distribution.
How has the fuel shortage impacted daily life in Cuba?
The fuel shortage has significantly disrupted daily life in Cuba, forcing drivers to wait days in line, increasing transportation costs, and leading to a rise in informal market prices.
What are the potential future implications of the current fuel crisis?
If the fuel crisis persists, it could worsen economic conditions, increase inflation, and further strain the Cuban population's ability to meet basic needs.