The situation faced by thousands of Cuban families due to the energy crisis that forces them to resort to coal and firewood as alternatives for cooking due to the instability of the electrical supply and the shortage of liquefied gas, was discussed in a recent broadcast of the Cuban Television News.
In a comment, the state journalist Abdiel Bermúdez highlighted that access to coal has become a critical issue due to low domestic production and high prices in the informal market, which has led many people to use wood from trees, doors, and windows as fuel.
During his speech, he mentioned that "cooking with firewood or charcoal was not on anyone's agenda after an Energy Revolution and at the height of the second decade of the 21st century", yet this has become the only option for many families facing prolonged blackouts of up to 20 hours.
The journalist revealed that in some provinces, such as Las Tunas, the production of charcoal has decreased drastically due to the lack of fuel for clearing marabou, the shortage of workers, and the low wages in the state-run companies responsible for production.
Additionally, it was noted that prices in the informal market vary from one province to another, reaching up to 3,000 pesos per bag in places like Havana and Villa Clara, making this resource unattainable for many citizens.
The situation is even more concerning in Jobabo, a municipality in Las Tunas known as the "capital of coal in Cuba", where the availability of this product in the state market is virtually nonexistent, and in the informal market, its high price represents an unsustainable financial burden for workers.
In statements made for television, local journalist Yaidel Miguel Rodríguez Castro reported that "cooking is becoming difficult, but even more difficult is finding what to cook with".
The use of firewood, although an alternative, also poses a challenge for Cuban families, especially in urban areas, due to regulations on the use of forest products and the difficulty in obtaining wood.
Additionally, the shortage of kerosene and diesel for igniting charcoal has forced many to resort to plastic materials such as nylon and polystyrene, which poses a serious health risk due to the inhalation of toxic fumes.
The problem lies not only in the production and distribution of coal but also in the lack of long-term solutions.
Rodríguez Castro proposed the development of a biogas infrastructure as a sustainable alternative for home cooking, however, he acknowledged that this would require significant investment and political will, factors that have so far been insufficient to address the crisis.
While the Cuban government continues to prioritize coal exports to earn foreign currency, thousands of families on the island face each day the anguishing reality of having nothing to cook with.
The energy crisis in Cuba continues to worsen, with no clear signs of an immediate solution that ensures citizens have access to basic means for sustenance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and the Use of Coal in Cuba
Why are Cuban families using doors and windows as firewood?
Cuban families are turning to doors and windows as firewood due to the severe energy crisis the country is facing, where the shortage of liquefied gas and the instability of the electricity supply have left many people with no alternatives for cooking. The low production of coal and its high prices in the informal market have forced families to seek extreme solutions to be able to cook their daily meals.
What is the current situation of coal production and distribution in Cuba?
The production and distribution of coal in Cuba are in crisis due to a lack of fuel for clearing marabou, a shortage of workers, and low wages in state enterprises. In places like Jobabo, known as the "coal capital," supply is virtually nonexistent and prices in the informal market are prohibitive for most citizens, reaching up to 3,000 pesos per bag in certain provinces.
What alternatives are being proposed to address the energy crisis in Cuba?
One of the proposals to tackle the energy crisis in Cuba is the development of a biogas infrastructure, which could provide a sustainable long-term solution for domestic cooking. However, this initiative requires a significant investment and political will, factors that have so far been insufficient to address the energy emergency affecting the country.
How does the lack of electricity supply affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity supply in Cuba severely affects daily life, forcing families to resort to rudimentary and dangerous methods for cooking, such as using plastics to ignite charcoal, which poses a health risk. Furthermore, prolonged blackouts and the scarcity of liquefied gas have changed family dynamics, leading to the improvisation of solutions to feed their families, often under precarious conditions.
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