Securing gasoline in Cuba has turned into a daunting task, resembling a high-stakes sport for many locals.
Content creator @fueraderosca_promax recently shared a video that highlights the harsh reality faced by Havana residents as they struggle to fill up their vehicles amid the nation's severe energy crisis.
In the footage, the young man describes waiting over 15 hours in a line to purchase a mere 10 liters of gasoline, which he paid for using his classic dollar card. "It was madness, but at least I managed to get some," he remarks, visibly worn out from the prolonged wait.
He notes that fuel prices on the black market have skyrocketed to between 1,500 and 2,000 Cuban pesos per liter, roughly equivalent to four U.S. dollars at the current informal exchange rate.
This figure is multiple times higher than the official price, in a situation where most state-run service stations remain closed or without supply.
The young man's account reflects a widespread problem affecting thousands of Cubans nationwide, as fuel shortages disrupt transportation, production, and daily life.
In Havana, the few sales points that are open see lines stretching for blocks, with profiteers exploiting the desperation of drivers.
The fuel crisis compounds existing issues like power outages, food shortages, and the breakdown of public transportation, painting an increasingly unsustainable picture for the Cuban people.
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Crisis
Why is gasoline so expensive in Cuba?
Gasoline prices in Cuba are high due to severe shortages and the black market, where prices have soared to 1,500-2,000 Cuban pesos per liter, a result of the ongoing energy crisis.
How are fuel shortages impacting daily life in Cuba?
Fuel shortages in Cuba are disrupting transportation and production, complicating daily activities and contributing to a broader crisis involving power outages and food scarcity.