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The recent measure by the Cuban government that restricts the sale of premium gasoline to payments exclusively in dollars has sparked a wave of outrage among internet users on the island.
The decision, announced by Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET), has deepened the dollarization of the economy, particularly in the energy sector, and has generated critical reactions from citizens who see this measure as a direct exclusion of those who do not have access to foreign currency.
The announcement, which excludes drivers without dollars, pertains to the sale of special gasoline, which can only be purchased using USD cards starting this Wednesday.
In addition, payments in Cuban pesos, especially those made with state-issued cards, will be automatically converted for the purchase of regular gasoline.
On social media, the comments reflect a strong sense of discontent. One user commented: "I'll pay you in national currency!! And I'll sell to you in dollars!! No words... how long will this last?" Meanwhile, Daymara Larred expressed her pessimism by stating, "This was to be expected... and it will be like this with everything."
Aramis Montes de Oca, for his part, expressed his frustration by asking, "Who is the counter-revolutionary behind all those sinister ideas? And how will they pay for the gas for all the super cars they have?"
Miguel Abreu Teran also joined the criticism, stating: "But they don't pay in dollars, hahaha, the real mafia."
This measure is part of the partial dollarization policy that the Cuban regime has been implementing, where access to essential goods and services, such as fuel, is contingent upon payment in foreign currency. This trend is intensified by the increasing number of gas stations that operate exclusively in dollars, which excludes a large portion of the Cuban population that relies on income in Cuban pesos.
The fuel crisis in Cuba remains a hot topic, with reports of shortages, long lines, and restrictions on sales. The exclusive sale in dollars has been justified as a measure to ensure supply.
This new restriction underscores the growing economic inequality on the island and highlights the prioritization of foreign currency collection over equitable access to basic resources.
The measure continues to intensify the perception that the policies of the Cuban regime favor those with access to foreign currency, while the vast majority are excluded from essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sale of Gasoline in Dollars in Cuba
Why has the Cuban government decided to sell premium gasoline only in dollars?
The Cuban government has decided to sell premium gasoline only in dollars to address the fuel shortage and further the dollarization of the energy sector. This measure aims to ensure the supply of premium gasoline, although it has been criticized for excluding those without access to foreign currency.
How does this measure affect the Cuban population that does not have access to dollars?
The measure impacts the Cuban population that does not have access to dollars by excluding them from the possibility of acquiring special gasoline. This increases economic inequality, as only those with foreign currency can access certain basic resources such as fuel.
What has been the reaction of Cubans to the sale of gasoline in dollars?
The reaction of Cubans has been one of outrage and criticism on social media, where many express their frustration over what they consider an exclusionary measure. Citizens view this policy as a prioritization of foreign currency collection over equitable access to essential resources.
How does this measure fit within the overall economic policy of the Cuban government?
This measure falls within the economic policy of partial dollarization of the country, where the Cuban government seeks to attract foreign currency to address the economic crisis. However, this policy has been criticized for increasing inequality and limiting the population's access to basic goods and services.
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