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Amid the severe energy crisis in Cuba and as the year-end festivities approach, the price of coal has seen a significant increase, further impacting the population, which is already grappling with constant power outages and difficulties in accessing electricity.
On various buying and selling platforms, the number of listings for marabou charcoal with high prices is increasing, reflecting the growing demand for this cooking fuel, especially as the year-end celebrations approach.
Marull Lucia, a charcoal seller, offers her product for 900 pesos per sack, while Yanny Yanet Bruzon Aliaga sells "a sack of good marabou charcoal" for 1,400 pesos, in addition to offering firewood bundles for 50 pesos.
On her part, an online post by user Hirely Hernández Miqueli offers first-grade charcoal for 1,000 pesos per bag, while the profile Gabriel Matoz also has charcoal for sale, sourced from the marabú charcoal refinery, priced at 900 pesos per bag, which yields between 4 and 5 cans, he clarifies.
This increase in prices reflects the scarcity of this resource, which has become one of the main alternatives for cooking in a country that, for the past two decades, has shifted its cooking methods to align with the energy matrix.
The electricity crisis, with blackouts that have left the island without power for more than 24 hours, has compelled Cubans to turn to coal—an option that is not only more economical but also more accessible in light of the power outages.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada has reported that in Santiago de Cuba, long lines to purchase charcoal have become a regular occurrence. In other cities such as Las Tunas and Camagüey, prices have skyrocketed, with charcoal stoves reaching up to 3000 Cuban pesos.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Coal Prices in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why has the price of coal increased in Cuba?
The price of coal in Cuba has risen due to the energy crisis, which has caused shortages of electricity and liquefied gas, leading to a high demand for coal as an alternative for cooking, especially in the lead-up to the year-end festivities.
What are the current prices of coal in different cities in Cuba?
In Santiago de Cuba, the price of coal is approximately 900 to 1400 pesos per bag. In other cities like Las Tunas and Camagüey, prices have reached up to 3000 Cuban pesos, reflecting the scarcity and high demand for the resource.
How does the energy crisis affect the use of coal in Cuban households?
The energy crisis forces many Cuban families to turn to charcoal as an alternative for cooking, due to prolonged power outages that leave the island without electricity and a shortage of liquefied gas, exacerbating the situation in households.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the coal crisis?
The Cuban government has started selling coal as a measure to address the crisis, but this solution has proven inadequate since the supply does not meet the growing demand, and the prices are unaffordable for many Cubans.
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