The YouTuber Ana de Cuba has raised alarms about the increasing resource shortages affecting small businesses across Trinidad and other cities in Cuba. She shared her observations during a recent tour on her channel.
She noted that the lack of resources was inevitable given the fuel restrictions impacting Cuba. Combined with bureaucratic hurdles and stringent controls on the private sector, these factors are stifling entrepreneurs.
"This was anticipated with the fuel restrictions. People are exhausted and worried. Private establishments were the main suppliers of food and basic goods for the people, but now things are running out," the young woman commented on her YouTube channel, showcasing shelves in private businesses that were nearly empty.
The content creator reminded her audience that some small businesses have been permitted to import fuel, though she expressed skepticism about the actual impact of this policy.
"I’m not sure how this will be resolved, or if businesses will sell fuel to one another to facilitate trade and import more goods. What we are seeing for now is that small businesses are running out of stock," she stated.
Alongside the shortages, Ana de Cuba highlighted the exorbitant prices of essential goods, which have left thousands of Cubans without access to necessary items.
She also revealed that the price of gasoline in Trinidad has soared to around 4,000 Cuban pesos per liter, a sum that is out of reach for most people.
The visuals shared in her video depicted nearly deserted streets, devoid of public transportation, with only a few solar-paneled motorcycles and pedicabs moving about. This paints a stark picture of the severe economic crisis gripping the island.
During her visit, there was no electricity in the center of Trinidad. The Cuban town seemed frozen in time, with even less social activity than in the 18th century.
Current Challenges for Cuban Small Businesses
What are the main causes of resource shortages in Cuban small businesses?
The primary causes are fuel restrictions and bureaucratic measures that limit private sector operations, exacerbating the shortage of essential goods.
How are Cubans coping with rising fuel prices?
Rising fuel prices have made transportation difficult, with many resorting to solar-powered motorcycles and pedicabs as alternatives to public transport.
What impact has the economic crisis had on Cuban small businesses?
The economic crisis has led to empty store shelves, sky-high prices for basic necessities, and a general decline in social activity and economic vibrancy.