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The Cuban regime announced on Friday a package of measures to address the current situation caused by fuel shortages, with actions that range from prioritizing fuel for essential services to cuts and reorganizations in transportation, education, labor, and tourism, as reported in the official program of Mesa Redonda.
Among the announced decisions, the Government aims to prioritize available fuel for "essential services," including public health, water supply, food production, defense, and foreign currency-generating activities.
At the same time, it proposes to accelerate solar photovoltaic park programs and solar modules for homes, expand incentives for renewable sources in businesses and residences, and concentrate administrative activities from Monday to Thursday.
In practice, it also anticipates direct restrictions for the population, such as the adjustment of fuel sales to the public "until the situation normalizes."
Transportation: fewer frequencies and reduced services
In the transportation sector, the measures include securing fuel for port and airport operations related to imports and exports, as well as for the transport of essential goods such as food, fuel, and medical supplies.
But the plan also includes reductions in mobility services: the Nueva Gerona–Batabanó ferry would decrease to two trips per week (on Tuesdays and Saturdays), and national passenger trains would run every eight days starting February 8, in addition to the temporary suspension of other rail services.
Additionally, a reduction in national bus departures is announced, maintaining "a basic daily service from Havana," and the suspension of the waiting list service.
The document states that a full refund will be offered within 30 days for canceled service tickets (rail or maritime), and that services such as Medibus for patients, as well as transportation for students and faculty, will remain guaranteed.
In Havana, there are also plans to establish a specific transportation service for healthcare personnel.
Education: adjustments and hybrid learning
For general education, priority is given to early childhood, with the maintenance of the functioning of children's circles, although "possibly with reduced hours."
In primary school, in-person attendance would be maintained with flexible schedules.
In basic secondary education, pre-university, and technical education, it is proposed to implement semi-in-person modalities or compacted schedules, decided at the local level, with special attention to key grades (such as 7th, 9th, and 12th).
It is also mentioned to temporarily relocate some IPVCE enrollment to urban pre-university institutions and changes for students in the final years of technical/pedagogical programs towards a model closer to home.
In higher education, a general transition to blended learning is being announced, involving the relocation of students to their home provinces and the reorganization of the teaching process from the territories of the students, in addition to the use of remote work as the main modality, with "limited" support from ICT due to the energy situation.
The actions also state that the completion of studies for students about to graduate would be guaranteed and that the event "University 2026" will be postponed.
Work: remote work and relocation
In the field of labor and social security, no new regulations will be issued; instead, existing ones will be applied to address the situation, promoting telework and remote work.
It is also planned to adjust schedules according to each group and to proceed with job relocations towards key economic activities or those of social interest.
Additionally, it is contemplated that, if necessary, a work interruption may be implemented with a guarantee of remuneration equivalent to the basic salary during the first month.
Food and water: declared priority, with energy limits
The plan mentions increasing food production at the territorial level, promoting partnerships between different management forms (both state and non-state) for marketing and pricing, and the use of renewable sources in production.
It also proposes allocating fuel to ensure the essential pumping of water and focusing the industry on chemical products for its treatment.
In tourism, a plan is being developed to reduce energy consumption and streamline facilities, “taking advantage of the peak season.”
Culture and sports would make adjustments to their programs; science, technology, and the environment would ensure resources for early warning systems; and special education would continue its operation with a specific framework due to its “high sensitivity.”
What is happening with the Cubans?
The drastic reduction of trains, buses, and ferries means, in practice, more hours walking, less access to jobs, difficulties reaching hospitals, and isolation of entire provinces.
When transport services are cut back, the informal market skyrockets, and transfer prices become prohibitive for most people.
On the other hand, the blended format and the return of university students to their provinces do not happen under equal conditions.
Many households lack stable electricity, access to the internet is limited or non-existent, and "distance learning" ultimately means that thousands do not study, and this widens the gap between those who have resources and those who do not.
Although the government insists on prioritizing local production, without fuel, electricity, or supplies, that priority remains on paper.
For ordinary Cubans, this means less supply, longer lines, and even higher prices.
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