This is how Cuba is right now: an endless line of cars waiting to get gasoline for dollars



Gasoline in CubaPhoto © @ricardomiranda7906 / TikTok

A long line of cars on the Vía Blanca, heading out of Havana towards Matanzas, has sparked outrage among Cubans. In a video posted on TikTok by the user @ricardomiranda7906, an endless queue of vehicles can be seen waiting to refuel with gasoline priced in dollars.

The images show dozens of cars parked along the road, while some drivers chat or wait outside their vehicles. The footage was accompanied by a strong message: “The dictatorship has hit rock bottom, look at the lines to fill up with dollars.”

Such scenes have become increasingly frequent on the island, where fuel is scarce and the points of sale in foreign currency are practically the only ones operating with any regularity. However, most Cubans do not have access to US dollars, exacerbating social discontent and economic inequality.

In recent weeks, reports of long lines in various provinces have multiplied amidst the energy crisis affecting the country. Meanwhile, the Cuban regime continues to prioritize sales in freely convertible currency (MLC) or foreign currency, leaving citizens with only Cuban pesos with no options.

The scene captured on the Vía Blanca is yet another illustration of the collapse of the state fuel distribution system and the growing public discontent with a government unable to guarantee basic services.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.