On Friday, Cuba's Transport Minister, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, revealed the introduction of 200 electric vehicles aimed at supporting the transport needs of patients undergoing dialysis treatment across all provinces. Additionally, 20 new buses will be added to the interprovincial transport fleet.
This announcement coincided with a press conference where the minister also detailed severe reductions in public transportation services, starting June 17, due to the island's critical fuel shortage.
Rodríguez acknowledged on his Facebook page that while the addition of these vehicles "should have been the day's good news," it was overshadowed by the news of service cuts.
"These vehicles will provide essential transportation for those whose lives depend on regular treatments, often requiring travel to healthcare facilities located far from their homes," Rodríguez stated.
Transport Challenges Amidst Fuel Shortages
The minister admitted that it's frustrating to introduce these vehicles while public passenger transport services are being cut due to the fuel crisis. The electric vehicles will come equipped with charging stations and post-sale services, as Rodríguez clarified in his post.
This measure addresses a humanitarian crisis noted since the beginning of 2026. Over 3,000 patients with chronic kidney failure require regular dialysis sessions at 57 units nationwide. The collapse of state medical transport services due to fuel scarcity has put their lives at direct risk.
Impact on Dialysis Patients
Since February, families and patients in regions like Las Tunas, Granma, Pinar del Río, Ciego de Ávila, and Villa Clara have reported that prioritized taxis for this service have been immobilized. Consequently, people are forced to pay up to 500 pesos per trip or stay in hospitals without adequate conditions.
In Pinar del Río, 108 out of 181 dialysis patients were admitted to nearby centers to minimize travel and conserve fuel. Alexander Aguilar López, a dialysis patient from Granma, criticized in March that "leaders' cars continue to operate," while the State has stopped ensuring patient transport.
Worsening Energy Crisis
The announcement comes amidst Cuba's escalating energy crisis. The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de La O Levy, confirmed on Wednesday that Cuba is devoid of "fuel, diesel, only accompanying gas."
On Tuesday, the electricity generation deficit peaked at an annual record of 2,113 MW, with just 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW.
Venezuela halted oil shipments after the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro, Mexico virtually ceased its supplies in January, and a temporary relief came from a Russian shipment of 730,000 barrels on March 31, depleted by early May.
In this scenario, it was also announced on Friday that bus, train, and ferry schedules will be reduced starting June 17, with interprovincial departures limited to three weekly trips between Havana and provincial capitals, and just one weekly trip to Manzanillo and Baracoa.
Rodríguez Dávila warned that further cuts or reversals will "depend on the fuel availability we can secure in the coming weeks."
FAQs on Cuba's Transport and Energy Crisis
What is the purpose of the new electric vehicles in Cuba?
The 200 new electric vehicles are intended to facilitate transportation for dialysis patients across Cuba's provinces, addressing a critical need amidst the country's fuel shortages.
How severe is the current energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's energy crisis is severe, with a record annual electricity generation deficit and a lack of fuel and diesel. This has led to significant public transportation cuts and increased challenges for essential services.