The ongoing fuel crisis in Cuba has led to a complete shutdown of urban public transportation in Havana, leaving hundreds stranded at bus stops and terminals, unable to get to work or return home.
Journalist Mario J. Pentón has shared videos highlighting the severity of the issue. Residents of the capital city stand in vain, waiting for a bus to bring them closer to their homes.
Reports circulating on social media and announcements from the pro-government page Transportación Habana TH confirm the persistent fuel shortage in the capital. As a result, "no services are available on any routes," according to these sources.
While the official statement described the disruption as temporary, it failed to provide a timeline for when services might resume.
Shortly thereafter, Transportación Habana TH released a second notice acknowledging the dire situation citywide: "There is no fuel to ensure the operation of any main, feeder, or supplementary routes at any terminal in the city," the announcement read.
The agency further noted that Gazelle and Foton minibuses were operating in a highly limited capacity, with some routes possibly resuming partially only as certain buses are "alternatively" refueled.
This service interruption severely affects a city where—according to the report—a large portion of the population relies on buses and minibuses to reach workplaces, schools, and hospitals. It is part of a broader context of energy crises and cutbacks affecting various sectors.
As the government speaks of "contingency plans" and austerity measures, the report illustrates how the fuel scarcity is driving the collapse of basic services in the capital, further exacerbating the deterioration of daily life.
Understanding Havana's Fuel Crisis
What is causing the fuel shortage in Havana?
The fuel shortage in Havana is part of a larger energy crisis affecting the entire country, compounded by economic challenges and insufficient resource management.
How is the fuel crisis affecting daily life in Havana?
The lack of fuel has led to the suspension of public transportation, making it difficult for residents to commute to work, school, and essential services, thereby worsening the quality of life in the city.
Are there any solutions being proposed to address the crisis?
The government has mentioned "contingency plans" and austerity measures, but concrete solutions or timelines for the restoration of services have not been clearly communicated.