Amid Cuba's severe energy crisis and the approach of year-end festivities, the cost of charcoal has surged dramatically, further burdening the population already grappling with frequent blackouts and limited access to electricity.
On various buying and selling platforms, listings for marabou charcoal with high price tags are increasing, indicating the rising demand for this cooking fuel, especially as holiday celebrations draw near. Marull Lucia, a charcoal vendor, offers her product at 900 pesos per sack, while Yanny Yanet Bruzon Aliaga sells "high-quality marabou charcoal" for 1,400 pesos per sack. She also offers bundles of firewood for 50 pesos.
Additionally, a social media post by Hirely Hernández Miqueli advertises first-hand charcoal at 1,000 pesos per sack. In another listing, Gabriel Matoz sells charcoal sourced from the Marabou Charcoal Refinery for 900 pesos per sack, which he notes yields between four and five cans.
This price surge highlights the scarcity of charcoal, now a primary cooking alternative in a nation that shifted its cooking methods to the energy grid two decades ago. The ongoing electrical crisis, with outages lasting over 24 hours, has compelled Cubans to turn to charcoal, which not only offers a more economical solution but is also more accessible amidst power cuts.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada has reported that in Santiago de Cuba, long lines to purchase charcoal have become commonplace. In other cities like Las Tunas and Camagüey, prices have skyrocketed, with charcoal stoves fetching up to 3,000 Cuban pesos.
Impact of Rising Charcoal Prices in Cuba
Why are charcoal prices increasing in Cuba?
The increase in charcoal prices is primarily due to the energy crisis in Cuba, which has led to frequent blackouts and a heightened demand for alternative cooking fuels.
How are Cuban citizens coping with the energy crisis?
Cubans are relying more on charcoal for cooking, as it provides a more reliable and cost-effective option compared to electricity, which is often unavailable due to power outages.
What impact does the energy crisis have on daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis severely disrupts daily life, causing long power outages that affect everything from cooking to lighting, forcing many to seek alternative solutions like charcoal.