Related videos:
The price of gasoline in the informal Cuban market has surged to the equivalent of $6 to $8 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 for interprovincial travel.
A testimony received by CiberCuba illustrates the leap: a relative reportedly bought 5 liters for 40 dollars, which equals 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, in buy-sell groups, the 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 estimates for this Wednesday).
This increase in transportation costs is linked to the high price of fuel. In Havana, a trip from Boyeros to the city center can cost 600 CUP, while a transfer from Parque de la Fraternidad to Guanabo reaches 1,000 CUP, according to rates shared by users on social media.
In interprovincial journeys, the prices mentioned online range between 15,000 and 30,000 CUP for travel to eastern provinces, depending on the route and the type of vehicle.
Examples are mentioned such as Ciego de Ávila–Las Tunas around 7,000 CUP, and Havana–Ciego de Ávila close to 25,000 CUP.
In addition, 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 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 is said to have exacerbated the internal energy crisis, leaving thousands of Cubans struggling to get around.
Filed under: