A young Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @yelenysberrabe, recently shared the challenging journey she undertook to see her 94-year-old grandfather in Sabanazo, a small rural area in the Calixto García municipality of Holguín province. The severe fuel and transportation crisis turned what should have been a simple family visit into an exhausting ordeal.
In her TikTok video, she recounted her attempts from the previous day to secure transportation, all of which failed: "Not a single car passed by, only cargo tricycles, motorbikes, and bicycles," she noted.
The TikToker encapsulated the plight of many Cubans with her statement: "The issue of transportation has become an odyssey in Cuba; there's no fuel, and as a result, everything is at a standstill."
The Resilient Grandfather
The trip's destination was her grandfather's farm, where he lives alone despite his advanced age. Remarkably, he continues to plant peppers, cassava, and taro. "I'm amazed that at ninety-four years old, he still has the strength to farm," she expressed with admiration.
The visit wasn't just about seeing him; the family hoped to persuade him to move in with them, feeling he was no longer fit to live alone. Yet, the grandfather consistently refused, saying, "I've always lived alone."
The Emotional Visit
During her visit, she brought him lunch and sat with him while he ate. "I brought him a hot meal, and he immediately fetched his bowl and spoon to enjoy it," she recounted. However, she left without the answer she hoped for: "Believe me, I wasn't very happy with his response," she admitted, promising a follow-up video to reveal what happened next.
Two Crises Converging in Cuba
This story highlights two significant issues plaguing Cuba. First, the transportation crisis due to fuel shortages: as of May 14, the Energy Minister admitted there was "absolutely no" diesel or fuel oil available, and by December 2025, only 39% of interprovincial buses were operational.
Second, the crisis of an aging population in Cuba: the nation has the oldest demographic in Latin America, with 25.7% of its citizens over the age of 60. The mass exodus — over 1.4 million Cubans have left since 2020 — has left many elderly without family support networks.
It's estimated that 15% of Cuban seniors live alone, and 89% of those over 70 face a high risk of isolation. The collapse of the social assistance system exacerbates this situation, with 99% of retirees stating that their pensions do not cover their basic needs.
Sabanazo, where the TikToker's grandfather resides, is home to just 3,697 people in the far western part of Holguín, where the scarcity of transport and fuel is felt most acutely. This video, less than two minutes long, captures the daily struggles faced by many Cuban families.
The young woman promised to release a second video to reveal whether her grandfather finally agreed to leave his farm and move in with the family.
Understanding Cuba's Dual Crises
What challenges did the Cuban woman face while visiting her grandfather?
The woman faced significant transportation issues due to a severe fuel shortage, making it difficult to find any vehicles to travel to her grandfather's rural location.
Why is the transportation crisis so severe in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to a lack of fuel, with government officials admitting that there is no diesel or fuel oil available, leading to a halt in transportation services.
How does the aging population crisis affect Cuban society?
Cuba's aging population, coupled with mass emigration, leaves many elderly individuals without family support, and the failing social assistance system fails to meet their needs.