The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba has forced countless families to resort to using charcoal and wood for cooking due to unreliable electricity supply and a shortage of liquefied gas. This dire situation was highlighted in a recent broadcast of Cuban Television News.
State journalist Abdiel Bermúdez emphasized the critical issue of charcoal scarcity, stemming from low domestic production and exorbitant prices on the black market. Consequently, many residents have turned to using wood from trees, as well as dismantling doors and windows, to use as fuel.
Bermúdez remarked, "Cooking with wood or charcoal wasn't part of anyone's plan after an Energy Revolution and by the second decade of the 21st century." Despite this, it has become the sole option for numerous families enduring power outages lasting up to 20 hours.
In certain provinces such as Las Tunas, charcoal production has plummeted dramatically. This decline is attributed to the lack of fuel for clearing marabou, a shortage of workers, and low wages in the state-run companies responsible for production.
He also noted the varying prices of charcoal in the informal market, which can reach up to 3,000 pesos per sack in regions like Havana and Villa Clara, making it unaffordable for a large portion of the population.
The situation is even more alarming in Jobabo, known as the "charcoal capital of Cuba," where the state market has virtually no supply and the high cost on the black market is an unsustainable financial burden for workers.
Local journalist Yaidel Miguel Rodríguez Castro expressed on television that "finding something to cook with is becoming increasingly difficult, adding another layer of hardship beyond cooking itself."
While using wood remains an option, it presents its own set of challenges in urban areas due to regulations on forest product usage and the difficulty of obtaining wood.
The absence of kerosene and diesel to light charcoal has forced many to use plastic materials like nylon and polystyrene, posing severe health risks from exposure to toxic fumes.
The crisis extends beyond the production and distribution of charcoal, as there is a notable lack of long-term solutions. Rodríguez Castro suggested developing a biogas infrastructure as a sustainable alternative for household cooking, yet acknowledged that this would require significant investment and political will, which have been lacking thus far.
As the Cuban government continues to prioritize exporting charcoal for foreign currency, thousands of families on the island face the harsh reality of not having fuel to cook their meals. The energy crisis in Cuba is worsening, with no clear signs of an immediate solution to assure citizens access to basic necessities.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are Cuban families using doors and windows as firewood?
Due to the severe shortage of charcoal and high prices on the black market, families have resorted to using available wood sources, including dismantling doors and windows, to cook their meals.
What are the health risks associated with using plastic materials for cooking?
Burning plastic materials like nylon and polystyrene releases toxic fumes, which can pose serious health risks when inhaled, contributing to respiratory issues and other health problems.
What are the proposed solutions to Cuba's cooking fuel crisis?
One proposed solution is the development of a biogas infrastructure, which would provide a sustainable and long-term alternative for domestic cooking. However, this requires significant investment and political commitment.