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The official portal Cubadebate addressed the increase in gasoline prices in the United States this Thursday, which led to a flood of criticism from users who accused the official media of "cynicism," as it expressed concern over the issue while Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel crisis.
The post on the profile of Facebook by the media claimed that fuel prices in the northern nation “are rising every hour” and that in some states it has reached five dollars per gallon, the highest level since Donald Trump took office as president.
The message added that the president's most important economic promise would be "at risk."
However, the approach generated an immediate reaction among dozens of users who questioned the contrast between that content and the energy situation on the island.
"One must have some nerve to publish this," wrote a user, while another comment described the post as "a mockery."
Several internet users compared the prices mentioned by the official media with the cost of fuel within Cuba.
"A gallon is almost four liters; in Cuba, they ask you the same but for one liter," wrote a user, while others pointed out that in the informal market, the price for a liter can reach amounts equivalent to several dollars, well above the average US price.
Other comments directly questioned the editorial priority of the state media. “The food in my house going bad due to the power outage and Cubadebate concerned about gasoline in the U.S.,” wrote an internet user, referring to the frequent blackouts affecting the country.
The debate also included broader political questions. Some users recalled historical promises of the Cuban Revolution and dictator Fidel Castro (1926-2016) that, in their opinion, remain unfulfilled, while others demanded that the media focus on the country's problems instead of criticizing the U.S. economic situation.
The controversy arises at a time of rising prices in the global energy market, as a consequence of the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In December, data from the White House indicated that the national average price of gasoline was around $2.90 per gallon, one of the lowest levels in several years, driven by the increase in the country's oil production.
In contrast, Cuba is facing a severe fuel shortage that has driven up prices in the informal market.
Reviewed reports by CiberCuba indicate that the price of a liter of gasoline is currently between 3,500 and 3,800 Cuban pesos, which is approximately equivalent to between six and eight dollars at the informal exchange rate, directly affecting transportation costs and the daily mobility of the population.
The energy crisis is also exacerbated by the irregularity of oil supply deliveries to the country and the deterioration of the National Electric System, factors that have contributed to prolonged blackouts and a widespread increase in the costs related to fuel services.
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