While the majority of Cubans lack access to foreign currency, the Cuban regime opens new gas stations in Villa Clara that sell exclusively in dollars, ironically promoted as "at the service of the people," a slogan that the government has also used for the opening of stores aimed at customers who can pay in that currency.
The Villa Clara branch of the state corporation CIMEX S.A. announced on Facebook the opening of the Máximo Gómez Service Center in Sagua La Grande, a renovated unit that will operate solely under a sales model in United States dollars.
"Inauguration of SC Máximo Gómez with a new sales modality in USD, a renewed unit aimed at providing quality service to the customer. For a commerce at the service of the people," the state entity wrote on its official profile.
In another post, the same entity announced the opening of another station under this model in the municipality of Placetas.
"Inauguration of a new sales format at the El Milagro service center in the municipality of Placetas. A new space designed for customers with a fresh image! We look forward to seeing you!" wrote CIMEX, reinforcing its promotional campaign aimed at those who have access to dollars, in contrast to the majority of the population that only earns in national currency.
The publication generated critical reactions on social media, where users questioned the institutional message for excluding Cubans who do not receive remittances from abroad and do not have regular access to foreign currencies.
Marisel Loretta Quesada directly questioned: “Service to the people who earn their salary in USD…”, accompanying her message with annoyed emoticons.
“Hello, are you going to sell in Cuban pesos for the people there? Because you know that the people don’t earn in dollars. You have to have the face the size of a 55-gallon tank,” wrote Jairon Betancourt, in one of the comments.
Diego Velázquez Rojas summarized the general sentiment with a brief but pointed question: “What people? Please.”
However, most reactions agreed in denouncing the contradiction between the official discourse and the actual exclusion experienced by a large part of the population. “What do they mean when they say ‘at the service of the people’?”, questioned Edy Frank Avilleira Tamargo.
Alexey Fernández Ruiz warned: “Little by little, everyone is going to be like this.”
In December of last year, the Cuban government approved a document that regulates the "partial dollarization of the economy", as announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during the fourth ordinary session of the National Assembly.
This measure, which reflects the increasing influence of the US dollar in the country, aims (yet again) to reorganize key sectors of the economy while attempting to control the impact of the informal foreign exchange market.
In this context, last February the regime announced new restrictions on the sale of special gasoline, restricting its purchase exclusively to payments in U.S. dollars.
The measure, announced by the Unión Cuba-Petróleo (CUPET), addresses the shortage of this type of fuel on the island and deepens the dollarization of the energy sector.
The note emphasized that service stations that still had premium gasoline would only sell it through cards in USD, excluding drivers who do not have access to this currency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dollarization and the New Gas Stations in Cuba
What does the opening of gas stations in dollars mean in Cuba?
The opening of gas stations that operate exclusively in dollars is part of the Cuban government's strategy to partially dollarize the economy. This measure aims to raise foreign currency in a context of fuel shortages and deepens the exclusion of those who do not have access to dollars, creating greater economic inequality on the island.
How does dollarization affect the Cuban population?
The dollarization affects the Cuban population by creating economic inequalities, as only those with access to foreign currencies can shop in stores and gas stations that operate in dollars. This excludes most Cubans, who receive their salary in national currency, and generates criticism towards the government for prioritizing foreign currency collection over equitable access to essential goods and services.
What is the reaction of Cubans to the opening of stores and gas stations in dollars?
The reaction of the Cuban population has been one of indignation and criticism towards the government. Many view these measures as a mockery and a demonstration of the regime's disconnection from the economic reality of the people. Social media has become a platform to express the widespread discontent regarding the exclusion of those who do not have access to foreign currency.
What justifications does the Cuban government provide for dollarization?
The Cuban government justifies dollarization as a strategy to attract foreign currency and improve the supply of products and services. However, these measures have been criticized for failing to address structural economic issues and for increasing inequality by limiting access to basic goods only to those who handle foreign currency.
How is dollarization related to the economic crisis in Cuba?
The dollarization is directly related to the economic crisis in Cuba, as it is seen as a response from the government to the lack of foreign currency and shortages. The strategy of dollarizing key sectors of the economy has not resolved structural issues such as inflation and scarcity, and it has increased social inequality.
Filed under: