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The shortage of diesel has halved the fish catches in the province of Sancti Spíritus, resulting in the provincial fishing company recording only eight tons, whereas it is typical to receive between 15 and 18 tons per month at this time of year.
Thus confirmed Yoandy Rodríguez Panizo, the productive technical director of the fishing company from Sancti Spíritus, who acknowledged that the lack of fuel forces them to ration diesel even within the boats themselves.
"We do not have enough diesel available for the brigades to use all the fuel they carry for fishing. Today we are also regulating fuel on the boats," declared Rodríguez to the Radio Sancti Spíritus station.
Of the 14 fishing brigades the company has in La Pesca, only five are operational; two are working in the river and three at the Zaza reservoir, the largest reservoir in Cuba and the hub of provincial fishing activity.
The river brigades operate in seven-day shifts, alternating in pairs. At the Zaza dam, three brigades rotate on alternate days. "One day three brigades fish, the next day three brigades fish," the manager explained.
In addition to the fuel crisis, an environmental obstacle arises. The rising water levels in the Zaza reservoir are driving fish into the weeds, further complicating catches and forcing fishermen to search for different areas in pursuit of species.
Rodríguez indicated that the company is seeking strategies to compensate for the limitations. "We are making a greater effort to identify where the species are most prevalent, so that we can make decisions and develop strategies regarding the capture," he affirmed.
This situation is not new. Since 2022, the aquaculture sector in Sancti Spíritus has been facing capture deficits due to a shortage of fuel, recording a shortfall of 1,694 tons and achieving only 57% of its annual plan.
In 2025, the Zaza dam only reached 72.2% of the planned target by April of that year, leaving more than 250 tons unprocessed out of the 914 planned.
The paradox is that Sancti Spíritus is the most important province in Cuba for freshwater fishing, contributing almost 30% of the national total and surpassing 3,000 tons in 2024. However, fish barely reaches the retail market, and when it does appear, it sells out immediately.
The energy collapse currently affecting Cuba exacerbates the situation. The country is operating with a significant electricity deficit, with blackouts lasting over 24 hours in many areas, and fuel reserves that were estimated in May to last only 14 to 20 days for the entire island.
In that context, fish has become a luxury item. In February, 10 pounds cost 3,000 Cuban pesos in the unofficial market, which is 75% of the minimum pensions on the island.
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