La Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET) has attributed the difficulties in importing special gasoline in Cuba to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, thus justifying the decision to restrict its sale exclusively to payments in dollars.
Without beating around the bush, Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of CUPET, stated on state television that "the importation of premium gasoline is a problem" due to the "tightening of measures following the arrival of President Trump."
His words are hard to believe, considering that Cuba has been selling gasoline in dollars for months and that Trump, in his first month in office, has barely mentioned the island issue, aside from the multiple decrees he has signed in other areas.
He added that, in light of this situation, the decision was made to ensure supply at the service station network in dollars, while regular and motor gasoline will continue to be sold in national currency, as he stated, "all conditions have been created for this."
What is certainly true is that the measure deepens the dollarization of the energy sector in the country, which has generated significant discontent among the population, who see this policy as a direct exclusion of those without access to foreign currency.
The regime, true to its narrative, blames the "empire," the "blockade," and the measures of the U.S. governments, while avoiding acknowledgment of its own inability to manage the crisis.
Main measures implemented by the regime through CUPET:
A new method of gasoline sales will begin at all service stations across the country, due to the shortage of special gasoline.
It has been decided, based on national productions, to guarantee the network of service stations in USD.
CUPET's responsibility is the production of those gasoline types.
Regular gasoline will be consumed. The plan for the day is to distribute 900 tons between regular gasoline and fuel.
The official Cimex S.A. Corporation, responsible for the distribution of special gasoline, will implement a series of actions tonight at 12:00 that will allow state sector gasoline cards to purchase regular service.
The private sector is not affected by these measures, as their card grants access to all types of fuel.
The authorities assert that these measures aim to optimize the distribution of fuel in light of the current supply limitations, which deepens the dollarization of the energy sector.
Indignation has been reflected on social media, where citizens have criticized the decision with comments such as: "I pay you in national currency and you sell to me in dollars... speechless. How long is this going to last?"
This policy reinforces the Cuban regime's tendency to condition access to essential goods on payment in foreign currency. In recent years, the opening of gas stations that operate solely in dollars has led to long lines, shortages, and increasing economic inequality on the island.
Despite the criticism, the government has defended the measure as a mechanism to ensure the supply of fuel amid the economic and energy crisis the country is facing. However, for many Cubans, this represents yet another blow to their already diminished purchasing power and a demonstration of inequality in access to basic resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sale of Gasoline in Dollars in Cuba
Why does CUPET blame Donald Trump for the sale of gasoline in dollars in Cuba?
CUPET attributes the difficulties in importing special gasoline to the tightening of measures by the Trump administration. According to Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of CUPET, these restrictions have resulted in the sale of special gasoline being conducted exclusively in dollars, despite public criticism of this measure that excludes those without access to foreign currency.
How does the sale of gasoline in dollars affect the Cuban population?
The sale of gasoline in dollars deepens economic inequality in Cuba, as a large portion of the population does not have access to foreign currency and earns in Cuban pesos. This policy of partial dollarization restricts access to essential goods to payments in foreign currencies, excluding many citizens from accessing premium gasoline.
What is the Cuban government's response to criticisms regarding the sale of gasoline in dollars?
The Cuban government defends the measure as a mechanism to ensure the supply of fuel amidst the economic and energy crisis facing the country. However, the population criticizes that this decision prioritizes the collection of foreign currency over equitable access to basic resources, affecting their already weakened purchasing power.
What alternatives does the Cuban government offer for those who do not handle foreign currency?
So far, the government has not announced alternatives for those who do not handle foreign currency, leaving a large portion of the population without access to special gasoline. This lack of options has sparked outrage and criticism on social media, where many citizens express their frustration over the economic exclusion they experience.
Filed under:
