Lines stretching for several blocks to buy fuel in Cuba.

The rampant inflation, which has increased by 1,500% in the last six years in Cuba, is compounded by the long lines to purchase fuel that are starting to be seen in Havana. This is an image that is not new or current in the interior of the country. As shown in a video posted by El Toque, the capital already has long lines of cars stretching for blocks and blocks to be able to go to the gas station.

"A friend spent thirty hours stocking up," noted an internet user who says his name is Carlos. "That's why the dollar can't lose value," added another person named Gustavo. "It's shameful," lamented Ariadna. "In Cuba, nothing works well; only repression and surveillance are effective," stressed José.

Last March, the official press boasted that the increase in fuel prices, by 500% overnight, had put an end to the lines and resellers at gas stations in Cuba. Almost three months later, prices remain high, but the long lines of cars needing to refuel have returned despite a measure that many citizens considered nonsensical in a country with such low wages and a skyrocketing poverty rate. The regime said it was doing so to "correct distortions" that concern Miguel Díaz-Canel so much.

Shortly before the 'paquetazo' came into effect, Cubans rushed to buy fuel and long lines were quick to form. One of those who was there was the actor and comedian Otto Ortiz, who on social media recounted the ordeal he went through to refuel at a Cupet in Havana, where he found that the payment methods enabled for bank transactions do not work and cash payments are not accepted.

One month after the increase in fuel prices came into effect, queues at gas stations spread throughout the country, demonstrating that the fuel crisis is a reality across Cuba. At this point, the regime shows no signs of having control over the situation or implementing any type of solution.

Behind the lines, there is always scarcity. In the midst of desperation, Cubans have even resorted to creating groups on Facebook to help each other, such as the one called "Where there is Fuel (Gasoline and Petroleum)" which, with the Cupet logo as a profile picture, announces where both products are available in the capital.

The former Minister of Economy, Alejandro Gil, who was dismissed and is embroiled in a judicial investigation for corruption, announced the increase in fuel prices on the Island, stating that oil and gasoline could no longer be subsidized by the State because, according to him, Cuba was selling the cheapest fuel in the world.

Gil argued at that moment (December 2023) that they could not continue selling "subsidized" fuel because they would not have money to buy another oil tanker. "Who pays for it?" he wondered. One month later, he was removed from office and began to be investigated.