A Cuban national living abroad recently visited his homeland and found himself struck by the stark reality on the National Highway between Sancti Spíritus and Santa Clara, one of Cuba's most vital transport routes. During his hour-and-a-half journey, he encountered only a handful of vehicles, an eerie testament to the ongoing crisis.
Identified on TikTok as @yusmani77 (CompanioniTax&Emigration), the man shared his experience in a heartfelt video. "Look, even on the horizon, everything was clear. I think I saw two or three cars along the entire route, no more than that. It's truly saddening what's happening," he expressed.
This isn't merely an isolated incident; it's a stark representation of the escalating fuel shortage crippling Cuba since late 2025. The National Highway serves as the lifeline for transporting food, goods, and people to the eastern provinces, and its desolation mirrors a nation at a standstill.
The Disrupted Supply Chain's Ripple Effect
The tiktoker warned, "The supply chain from Havana that delivers food to Santiago de Cuba, along with all the packages and aid sent from abroad, is almost completely halted."
The impact is personal and profound. His mother, residing in Sancti Spíritus, once needed $100 monthly to feed two people. Now, the cost has doubled to around $200 just to cover basic necessities.
Adding to the woes are delays in packages sent by the Cuban diaspora from the United States. Correos de Cuba has acknowledged that diesel shortages are causing international parcel deliveries to be delayed by up to four months. Medicines shipped from Italy in November 2025 had yet to reach Ciego de Ávila by March 2026. Meanwhile, Cubamax has suspended home deliveries on the island.
Understanding the Roots of the Transportation Collapse
The collapse in transport is rooted in significant structural issues. Venezuela, which provided Cuba with 26,500 to 30,000 barrels of oil daily — fulfilling a third of its energy needs — ceased shipments following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026. Mexico stopped its shipments on January 29, fearing U.S. sanctions. Consequently, gas stations are shuttered, rationing is extreme, and the black market price for gasoline has soared to $8 per liter, whereas the average monthly state salary is about 4,000 to 5,000 pesos.
In Sancti Spíritus, since February 9, passengers have been stranded at the bus terminal, unable to travel to the eastern provinces. In Ciego de Ávila, only 2 out of 14 bus routes were operational by March. The cost of interprovincial travel has surged by over 75%.
Jorge Piñón, an oil expert from the University of Texas, has warned that Cuba is nearing a "zero hour" if new supplies do not arrive soon. On February 25, the United States permitted licenses for private sales of Venezuelan crude to Cuba, yet the situation remains dire.
"Who bears the brunt of this crisis? Not the government. The ones truly suffering, the ones most affected by this situation, are the Cuban people," concluded @yusmani77 in his poignant video.
Key Questions About Cuba's Fuel Crisis
What is causing the fuel crisis in Cuba?
The fuel crisis in Cuba is largely due to Venezuela halting oil shipments following Nicolás Maduro's capture and Mexico suspending its deliveries due to fears of U.S. sanctions. This has resulted in severe fuel shortages across the island.
How is the fuel shortage affecting daily life in Cuba?
The shortage has led to empty highways, disrupted supply chains, and increased costs of living. Transportation is severely limited, affecting the distribution of food and goods, and causing significant economic strain on families.
What measures are being taken to address the crisis?
The United States has authorized licenses for private sales of Venezuelan crude to Cuba, but the effectiveness of this measure is yet to be fully realized amid the ongoing crisis.