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The price of gasoline in the informal Cuban market has skyrocketed to the equivalent of 6 to 8 dollars per liter, according to reports from citizens and announcements on social media reviewed by CiberCuba, amid a supply crisis that is also driving up transportation costs within Havana and interprovincial travel.
A testimony received by CiberCuba illustrates the increase: a family member reportedly bought 5 liters for 40 dollars, which amounts to 8 dollars per liter.
How to reach "up to 8 dollars": price in pesos and informal exchange rate
According to the review on social media and buy-sell groups, the price per liter is offered between 3,500 and 3,800 CUP, which translates to about 6 to 7.4 dollars, based on an informal exchange rate of 510 CUP per dollar (according to ElToque's estimates for this Wednesday).
This increase in transportation costs is related to the high price of fuel. In Havana, a trip from Boyeros to the city center can cost 600 CUP, and a transfer from Parque de la Fraternidad to Guanabo can reach 1,000 CUP, according to rates shared by users on social media.
On interprovincial routes, the prices mentioned on social media range between 15,000 and 30,000 CUP to provinces in the east, depending on the route and the type of vehicle.
Examples mentioned include Ciego de Ávila–Las Tunas for around 7,000 CUP, and Havana–Ciego de Ávila for about 25,000 CUP.
Additionally, there are reports of charges in foreign currency: private cars would be charging between 250 and 300 dollars, and even up to 400 dollars for some routes.
The recent escalation
The liter of gasoline, which was priced at 2,500 CUP in the informal market last week, has reportedly risen to 3,800 CUP in recent days, reflecting a rapid deterioration in both availability and cost.
Since January, no fuel has been entering Cuba, and the imposition of tariffs in Washington against countries that trade oil with the island has worsened the internal energy crisis, leaving thousands of Cubans struggling to get around.
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