The comedian Reuel Remedios, who became popular with his character Lindoro Incapaz (a boastful and corrupt company director on the television show "Deja que yo te cuente"), shared what one has to do to get in line to buy gasoline in Havana.
According to the explanation, almost all gas stations have a Telegram group where customers sign up to know when they will sell fuel and when it's their turn to buy. The day before, they are notified of what time the group will open.
When the moment arrives, he and his friends, with their cell phones, desperately try to sign up. A funny video captures the "virtual chaos" to secure a spot.
"I took the 7,200. I think that by summer I'll be able to go to the beach with this gas, I'm planning to go in July," said Lindoro with hope.
"Errors will be seen, colleagues," he expressed.
In another video, Lindoro mentions that he is a company worker who gets around thanks to his electric motorcycle, as the "gasoline companion" has so many unjustified absences that he is going to have to be let go.
"And now she believes things, because her sister, who thinks she's special, went to work for dollars," she stated.
"A painting on foot is an incomplete painting. Unless the companion electricity decides to work with the special companion," she added with irony.
Since last month, the government has restricted the purchase of special gasoline solely to payments in United States dollars (USD), due to the shortage of this type of fuel on the Island.
The fuel crisis in Cuba has intensified in recent months, with constant reports of shortages, long lines at gas stations, and restrictions on sales.
In the capital, drivers spend days in line to buy, and sometimes they are unable to secure fuel.
The method described by Lindoro Incapaz is real. In December, a worker from MINREX revealed that it is used in some gas stations to manage the lines.
"Through the Telegram app, join the CUPET Tángana group, and when it is open for registration, send a message with your license plate number and the type of gasoline you would like. For example: P123456 R. The organizers, after closing registrations, will issue a document with each person's turn number, and through the same group, they will schedule the acquisition of the necessary fuel," they explained.
The drivers in Havana have dubbed the endless lines at gas stations without fuel as "The Dry Queue," hoping that they will be supplied with gas at some point.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Fuel Crisis in Havana
How is gasoline purchased in Havana?
In Havana, the purchase of gasoline is organized through Telegram groups. Drivers must sign up on waiting lists by sending a message with their license plate number and type of gasoline. They are then notified of their turn through the same group.
What is the wait time to get gasoline in Havana?
The wait time to obtain gasoline in Havana can extend up to five days or more due to high demand and a shortage of supply. Many drivers have to spend days in line, waiting for their turn to refuel.
What price does gasoline reach in the informal market in Cuba?
In the informal market of Cuba, the price of gasoline has reached up to 900 pesos per liter. This increase reflects the rampant inflation and fuel scarcity that continues to impact the population.
How does the fuel crisis affect public transportation services in Havana?
The fuel crisis seriously impacts public transport services in Havana, reducing the availability of operational vehicles. For instance, the Gazelle minibus service operates at only 60% of its capacity due to the lack of fuel.
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