The Cuban Ministry of Transportation announced a significant overhaul of its primary services this Friday due to a severe fuel shortage. This involves gradual cutbacks in the National Bus Company, train services, maritime routes, and domestic air links, set to begin on June 18.
Transportation Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila outlined the measures during a press conference, emphasizing their alignment with the Government Program. The focus will be on services essential to the daily lives of citizens and the functioning of the economy, according to Canal Habana's Facebook page.
For the National Bus Company, the current schedule will remain intact until June 17. Starting June 18, departures between Havana and provincial capitals, including Pinar del Río, will be reduced to three times a week. Routes to Manzanillo and Baracoa will be limited to just one weekly departure.
The ferry service between Nueva Gerona and Batabanó will continue with Tuesday and Saturday departures until June 16. From June 20, it will only operate on Saturdays.
National trains to Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Bayamo-Manzanillo will maintain their current schedule through May and the first half of June. Afterward, they will operate with one round-trip approximately every two weeks.
Cuban airports will remain operational, as will domestic flights to Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Nueva Gerona, the Viazul service, and Medibus services coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health.
Local authorities must prioritize essential urban, suburban, rural, and intermunicipal routes based on the availability of fuel in each area, the source specified.
The regime also announced the acceleration of integrating 200 electric cars into the healthcare system and the protection of transportation services for hemodialysis patients.
This announcement follows the Energy Minister's admission of a total lack of fuel. "We have no fuel, no diesel, only associated gas," stated Vicente de La O Levy on Wednesday, May 13.
The electrical generation deficit reached a yearly high of 2,113 MW on Tuesday, May 12, with only 1,230 MW available compared to a demand of 3,250 MW, leaving the country on the brink of a massive blackout.
Venezuela halted oil shipments following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, and Mexico nearly stopped supplies in January 2026. A temporary reprieve came from a Russian shipment of 730,000 barrels on March 31, which was depleted by early May.
On the same Friday, the state corporation Cimex imposed a new gasoline price hike in foreign currency, setting special gasoline B100 at $2.60 per liter, almost double its previous price. Meanwhile, in the informal market, a liter was priced between 4,000 and 6,000 Cuban pesos, equivalent to seven to 12 dollars at the informal exchange rate.
As part of the energy transformation strategy, the Ministry of Transportation is promoting the use of electric tricycles, eco-friendly vehicles, and solar charging stations. However, these initiatives are unlikely to offset the collapse of a transportation system that, in provinces like Ciego de Ávila, managed to operate only two out of 135 routes as of March 2026.
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Crisis
Why is Cuba reducing its transportation services?
Cuba is reducing its transportation services due to a severe fuel shortage affecting the entire country. This shortage has forced the government to prioritize essential services.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the transportation crisis?
The Cuban government is implementing transportation cutbacks and integrating electric vehicles into the healthcare system. Additionally, there are efforts to introduce electric tricycles and solar charging stations.
How is the transportation crisis affecting daily life in Cuba?
The transportation crisis is severely affecting daily life by limiting travel options, increasing transportation costs, and straining essential services such as healthcare transportation.