For countless Cuban families, the struggle to secure charcoal for cooking has become a routine ordeal, exacerbated by prolonged power outages and a lack of gas supplies. This daily battle is vividly captured in a Facebook reel by Chuly Montenegro, which showcases a Cuban woman’s relentless efforts to ignite her stove.
As of 2026, Cuba's energy crisis has severely disrupted consistent access to both electricity and liquefied gas. Power outages span from 22 to 36 hours per day across several provinces, with an energy generation shortfall of approximately 2,040 MW against a demand of 3,000 MW. Consequently, over nine million Cubans are left with no choice but to turn to charcoal and wood stoves as their primary means of cooking.
Charcoal Prices and Economic Strain
The stark reality of the crisis is reflected in the exorbitant prices of charcoal in the black market. In Santiago de Cuba, a sack that cost around 300 pesos in 2022 skyrocketed past 1,000 pesos by February 2025, and by June 2026, it ranged between 2,800 and 5,000 pesos, depending on the region. This is in a country where the average state salary barely covers basic needs.
Contradictions in State Policies
The most striking irony lies in the Cuban state’s decision to export the very charcoal that is desperately needed domestically. An economic association in Camagüey exported over 150 tons to Europe in the first quarter of 2026, generating more than 55,000 dollars, while the local market remained severely understocked. Reports indicate that the Agroforestry Company of Pinar del Río planned to export 250 out of 300 tons produced in 2025, leaving a mere 50 tons for local consumption.
In Guáimaro, Camagüey, authorities have even fined individuals attempting to sell charcoal informally, further exacerbating shortages in an already strained region.
Government's Official Stance
Instead of acknowledging the failure of their policies, the regime has embraced charcoal and wood usage as an official agenda. On March 28, 2026, Miguel Díaz-Canel instructed during the 11th National Defense Day to "ensure materials for cooking from charcoal to wood," a stance he had already expressed in May 2025 during visits to Manicaragua and Cifuentes, reflecting a solidified policy rather than an emergency measure.
The human toll of this situation is dire. By March 2026, over 715 state bakeries had transitioned to wood or charcoal. In a reported incident on May 19, a Cuban woman resorted to burning pages of Che Guevara’s diary to light her stove, and on June 14, a nine-month-old baby suffered burns while the family cooked with charcoal during an extended blackout.
Propaganda and Public Sentiment
Official media, rather than criticizing this regression, portrayed charcoal as an "ecological alternative" in February 2026. At the same time, the government declared 2026 the "Year of Preparation for Defense," urging the population to embrace the use of charcoal and wood under the guise of "creative resistance."
A viral citizen post circulating on social media encapsulates the sentiment of millions: "Cooking in Cuba has become a mission impossible."
Understanding the Cuban Charcoal Crisis
Why has charcoal become essential for cooking in Cuba?
Due to the severe energy crisis in Cuba, with frequent power outages and a lack of gas supplies, many families have had to rely on charcoal and wood as their primary cooking fuels.
How have charcoal prices changed in recent years in Cuba?
Charcoal prices have soared dramatically, from 300 pesos per sack in 2022 to between 2,800 and 5,000 pesos by mid-2026, reflecting the severity of the crisis and economic strain on Cuban households.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the use of charcoal?
The Cuban government has officially endorsed the use of charcoal and wood as part of its policy, framing it as a necessary measure for national defense and resilience, despite the hardships faced by the population.