The blackouts in Cuba have reached extreme levels. In several provinces, the regime only schedules one hour of electricity service per day, leaving families in a constant struggle for survival.
Without liquefied gas available, with coal at astronomical prices (more than 1,400 pesos per bag) and no electricity to cook food, Cubans have had to rely on their ingenuity to solve the most basic issue: How to prepare daily meals.
A video shared by Martí Noticias shows a Cuban in Viñales, Pinar del Río, explaining his improvised system for generating electricity amid the blackout.
His solution involves a network of resources and a lot of wiring. It captures solar energy with a panel, then transfers it to the "elevator," next to the "motorcycle battery," after that to the "power inverter," and finally to the induction stove. This proud Cuban asserts that in his home "cooking happens, because cooking happens."
Your case is not unique. In Santiago de Cuba, at the other end of the country, a Cuban has devised his own method to cook during a blackout.
A video shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta shows how a person uses a motorcycle battery to power a fan from an old computer and, with that airflow, to stoke the flames of poor quality charcoal.
His invention is less elaborate, requires fewer resources, but it allowed him to light the stove and cook his lunch in a pressure cooker.
The electricity crisis, combined with food shortages and the high cost of coal, leaves Cuban families in a critical situation.
Many people believe that the only problem is obtaining food due to inflation and food shortages, but it may happen that you have bags of rice and beans in your pantry and cannot eat them because there is no way to cook.
It's not just about the lack of food, but also about the impossibility of preparing it and preserving it. As the country dims, creativity and popular ingenuity have become the only options to endure the crisis and survive another day in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis in Cuba and cooking during blackouts
How are Cubans cooking during the power outages?
Cubans are turning to alternative and ingenious methods for cooking during blackouts. Some use solar panels connected to motorcycle batteries to power induction cookers, while others employ batteries to fuel low-quality charcoal fires or improvise wood-burning stoves. These methods are a response to the lack of electricity and liquefied gas.
Why has the price of coal increased so much in Cuba?
The price of coal in Cuba has increased significantly due to the high demand generated by the energy crisis. Coal has become one of the main alternatives for cooking in light of the scarcity of gas and electricity. In some cities, coal prices have tripled, making it a luxury for many families.
What alternatives are Cubans using to cook in the absence of electricity and gas?
Amidst the lack of electricity and gas, Cubans are using rudimentary methods such as cooking with firewood and charcoal. Some are coming up with creative solutions, like transforming sewing machines into charcoal burners. These methods reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the Cuban people in the face of the energy crisis the country is experiencing.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has begun distributing coal as a measure to address the energy crisis. However, this solution has been insufficient, as the supply of coal does not meet the growing demand and prices are unaffordable for many Cubans. The population continues to face long blackouts and shortages of liquefied gas.
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