The sale of charcoal through ration booklets begins in Santiago de Cuba due to ongoing power outages.

Authorities in Santiago de Cuba announced the sale of charcoal to the population "as an alternative to the electroenergetic deficit and the fuel situation" in the country.

The governor of the province, Manuel Falcón Hernández, explained in a meeting with local deputies that measures are being taken to start the sale of coal, one of the government's decisions aimed at trying to appease the discontent of the population amidst power outages lasting up to 20 hours.

According to the residents in that area, in some areas they are already selling one can per ration book at a price of 125 Cuban pesos.

A high percentage of Cuban families cook with electric appliances, which makes it difficult for them to cook food when there is no electricity service.

Through various channels, Cubans have expressed their discontent with the crisis, which prevents them from eating and resting properly.

Falcón Hernández ensured the remaining products from the basic food basket will be delivered, a measure used by other local governments to reduce discontent.

The official stated that "the people are the first ones who must thoroughly know all the details related to the situation of the province" and called on the residents of Santiago "not to lose their calm and become aware of the socio-economic context that the country is facing."

However, the pleas and promises of the Cuban leaders do not seem to have any effect on the desperate families.

In cities like Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Camagüey, and Las Tunas, street protests and pot-banging protests have been reported in recent days.