Fuel crisis: Drivers wait up to five days in line for gasoline in Havana

The scarcity and high prices in the informal market worsen the situation for thousands of drivers in Havana.

Cupet en La Habana © Facebook
Cupet in HavanaPhoto © Facebook

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Amid the fuel crisis on the island, drivers in the capital are spending up to five days in line to buy gasoline, according to various social media posts.

In several Facebook groups in the capital, posts can be found from desperate internet users asking for effective gas station locations.

Some have claimed that they have been waiting in line for five days and still haven't been able to get supplies: "They forgot about the CUPET at la Alameda, we have been waiting in line for five days and four nights," commented an internet user.

Publication on Facebook

A Minrex worker identified on Facebook as Pavel Bauzá Fusté stated that at some gas stations, such as the Cupet at G and 25, El Tángana, and at the corner of 17 and L, a method is being implemented to organize the lines.

"Through the Telegram application, join the CUPET Tángana group, and when it's time to sign up, send a message with your license plate number and the type of gasoline you want. For example: P123456 R. The organizers will issue a document with the turn number for each person after closing the registrations, and they will use the same group to arrange the purchase of the necessary fuel," he explained.

Publications onFacebook

It adds that this Wednesday, in just 20 minutes, "more than 3,000 users" registered on the list via Telegram, and it acknowledges that there is a great deal of doubt and uncertainty regarding fuel supply in the Cuban capital.

For several days now, drivers in Havana have been suffering from this issue, even coining the term "the dry queue" to describe the endless lines at gas stations lacking fuel, in the hope that they will eventually be restocked.

But the issue is not only the need to endure endless queues; it is also the high prices that must be paid. Last Sunday, December 9th, an activist reported on social media that the price of gasoline has surged in the informal market, reaching exorbitant figures of up to 700 CUP per liter, and all indications suggest that it will continue to rise, potentially reaching 1,000 pesos per liter, as was the case during the massive blackout in October.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Fuel Crisis in Cuba

Why are drivers in Havana waiting in line for several days?

Drivers in Havana have been lining up for several days due to the severe fuel crisis affecting the island. The shortage has led to the implementation of scheduling systems through apps like Telegram, but demand far exceeds the available supply, leaving many unable to refuel.

What is the price of gasoline on the black market in Cuba?

The price of gasoline on the black market in Cuba has reached 700 pesos per liter, and it is expected to rise to as much as 1,000 pesos per liter. This situation is the result of fuel shortages and the energy crisis affecting the country.

What methods are drivers using to secure a slot for gasoline?

Drivers are using apps like Telegram to sign up on waiting lists for fuel. When registering, they need to send a message with their license plate number and type of gasoline, and then they are notified of their turn through the same group.

How is the fuel crisis affecting other cities in Cuba?

The fuel crisis is impacting other cities in Cuba with strict measures to regulate gasoline sales. In places like Cienfuegos, restrictions have been put in place regarding the amount of fuel that citizens can purchase and the available sales points, highlighting the severity of the situation on a national level.

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