A Cuban woman, known on TikTok as @mi.yanis3, shared a video on June 18 highlighting the dire state of transportation in Cuba. She expressed her frustration after waiting over an hour on the street for a ride home following some errands.
In her video, she describes how some cars are on the road, yet they either don't stop or charge an exorbitant fare of 1,500 pesos—about three or four dollars in the informal market—an amount that is out of reach for most Cubans.
“I've been out here for over an hour trying to get home after doing some shopping, and let me tell you, there's no transportation. Or if there is, they don't stop, and those who do charge 1,500,” she shares in her recording.
She emphasizes that she doesn't blame the drivers for these high prices, instead pointing the finger at the government: “We can't even blame the drivers; you know who is really to blame.”
The root of the crisis, she says, lies in the steep fuel costs: “Gasoline is currently priced at 3,000 pesos per liter, which is unbelievable, folks. It's heartbreaking to be stranded on the streets until late.”
New Transport Restrictions Worsen the Situation
The video was captured on the same day that the Ministry of Transport's new, stricter measures took effect. These are the harshest since the onset of the crisis: National buses between Havana and provincial capitals were reduced from daily service to just three weekly departures. Meanwhile, trains to Santiago, Holguín, and Bayamo now run only once every two weeks.
Routes to Baracoa, Manzanillo, and Moa have been limited to a single weekly trip, and the Nueva Gerona-Batabanó ferry now operates solely on Saturdays starting June 20.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport has abolished the free sale of tickets, with seats now allocated by provincial commissions based on priority criteria such as medical appointments or bereavements.
The Economic Impact of Rising Fuel Costs
The fuel price mentioned by the woman in the video reflects the mid-June informal market rates. However, by that time, real prices fluctuated between 4,000 and 6,000 pesos per liter, as per data from the informal market gathered in April and June 2026.
This figure far exceeds the average Cuban monthly income, which is around 3,000 pesos, making transportation an unaffordable luxury for most.
On May 15, 2026, the government abandoned fixed gasoline prices and introduced floating prices in foreign currencies for fuel, further exacerbating the crisis.
Structural Failures in Cuba's Transport System
The transportation collapse is rooted in structural failures: Cuba received only one out of eight anticipated fuel shipments between December 2025 and April 2026. In January, the government admitted that public transport was meeting just 42% of its planned targets.
In February, Transportación Habana, the state entity, announced that “there are no services on any of the available routes” due to fuel shortages, and in March, only two out of 135 routes were operational in Ciego de Ávila.
The Cuban woman concluded her powerful message with words that resonate with millions: “It's sad what we're going through, and I'm saying this not to spark anything but because, from the bottom of my heart, this situation saddens me.”
Understanding Cuba's Transportation Crisis
What are the main reasons for the transportation crisis in Cuba?
The crisis is primarily due to high fuel costs, structural failures, and the government's decision to implement floating prices for gasoline. Additionally, a significant reduction in fuel shipments has compounded the problem.
How have new transportation regulations affected Cubans?
The new regulations have severely limited transportation options, with reduced bus and train services, and restricted ticket sales. This has made commuting nearly impossible for many, particularly those with limited financial resources.
How has the fuel price change impacted Cuba's economy?
The shift to floating gasoline prices has led to an economic strain, making transportation costs unaffordable for the average Cuban, whose monthly salary is often less than the cost of a single liter of fuel.