While Cubans are facing power outages of up to 20 hours a day and must resort to coal as the only alternative for cooking, the regime continues to export this resource from areas like Baracoa, Guantánamo.
The Agroforestry and Coconut Company Baracoa recently reported on an assessment of the quality of charcoal intended for export, conducted by specialists Reinaldo Durán and Alexander Méndez at the Base Business Unit (UEB) Cayo Güín.
This plant also produces activated carbon from wood and coconut shell. It is the only center of its kind in Cuba. The authorities claim that its sales within the country are minimal, due to low demand, and therefore, they have prioritized its export.
The activated charcoal is in high demand in pharmaceutical, chemical industries, and in the treatment of water and gases. Apparently, the domestic industry does not need this product.
Who does need charcoal, but vegetable, that is to say in its most basic form, is the people of Cuba. This product has become a basic necessity in households due to the lack of gas and electricity.
In many areas of the country, the price of a bag of charcoal exceeds 1,000 Cuban pesos, a figure that is unattainable for many families whose average salary barely exceeds 4,000 CUP per month.
This contradiction has generated frustration among the population, which sees the country exporting vital resources while its citizens lack basic necessities.
The production unit, subordinate to the Coconut Oil Extractor, has 14 young workers who have also diversified into making soaps based on coconut oil. However, its production does not meet the country's demand for these products.
The lack of transparency regarding export destinations and the income generated by this activity intensifies criticism, in a context where the Cuban people struggle daily to secure basic means for survival.
Meanwhile, the government's priorities seem to drift further away from the needs of the ordinary citizen. They are focused on exports rather than meeting national demand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal Exportation in Cuba and the Energy Crisis
Why is the Cuban government continuing to export coal while the people need it?
The Cuban government prioritizes the export of coal to earn foreign currency, arguing that domestic demand is low. However, this stance overlooks the urgent need of the Cuban people to access this basic resource in light of the shortages of gas and electricity.
How does coal export impact the Cuban population?
The export of coal exacerbates the situation for the Cuban population, which faces prolonged power outages and a shortage of liquefied gas. Cubans have to turn to coal as an option for cooking, but its high price and low availability make it difficult to access, severely impacting the quality of life for families.
What is the impact of the rising price of coal in Cuba?
The price of coal has risen dramatically in Cuba due to high demand and supply shortages, reaching figures that exceed the average salary of many Cubans. This makes coal a luxury item for many families, further complicating their situation amid the energy crisis.
What alternatives do Cubans have in the absence of coal and gas?
In the face of shortages of coal and gas, many Cubans have turned to improvised methods for cooking, such as using wood or creating homemade systems to harness solar energy. Creativity has become an essential tool for navigating the crisis, although these solutions are not sustainable in the long term.
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