The Cuban Petroleum Union, known as CUPET, has pointed fingers at former U.S. President Donald Trump, holding him accountable for the challenges Cuba faces in importing special gasoline. As a result, the decision has been made to limit its sale exclusively to transactions in dollars. On state television, Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of CUPET, candidly stated that importing special gasoline is problematic due to "the tightening of measures following President Trump's arrival."
His assertions seem questionable, given that Cuba has been selling gasoline in dollars for months, and Trump, during his initial month in office, scarcely addressed Cuba beyond signing numerous executive orders in other domains. Pérez Cardoso further explained that, under these circumstances, ensuring the supply of gasoline in service stations in dollars was deemed necessary, while regular and motor gasoline would continue to be available in the national currency, asserting that "all conditions for this have been established."
This policy undeniably exacerbates the dollarization of Cuba's energy sector, sparking widespread discontent among the populace who perceive this as direct exclusion of those lacking access to foreign currency.
Government Response and Public Outcry
Consistent with its narrative, the regime blames the "empire," the "blockade," and U.S. government policies, steering clear of acknowledging its own shortcomings in managing the crisis.
Key Measures by CUPET
- A new gasoline sales system is being implemented across the country's service stations due to the shortage of special gasoline.
- The decision has been made to ensure the service station network operates in USD, based on national production.
- CUPET is responsible for producing these types of gasoline.
- Regular gasoline will still be consumed, with a daily distribution plan of 900 tons between regular and motor gasoline.
- Corporación Cimex.SA Official will facilitate actions to allow state sector gasoline cards to purchase regular service.
- The private sector remains unaffected by these measures, as their cards have access to all fuel types.
Authorities maintain that these measures aim to optimize fuel distribution amidst current supply constraints, deepening the dollarization of the energy sector.
Outrage has unfolded on social media, with citizens voicing their frustration through comments like: "I pay you in national currency, and you sell in dollars... speechless. How long will this continue?"
This approach strengthens the Cuban regime's tendency to tie access to essential goods to foreign currency payments. Over recent years, the emergence of gas stations operating solely in dollars has led to lengthy queues, shortages, and growing economic inequality on the island.
Despite the backlash, the government defends the policy as a mechanism to ensure fuel supply amid the economic and energy crisis plaguing the country. However, for many Cubans, it represents another blow to their already strained purchasing power and a testament to the disparity in access to basic resources.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis and Dollarization
Why is CUPET selling special gasoline only in dollars?
CUPET attributes the decision to the challenges in importing special gasoline due to measures implemented after the arrival of Donald Trump. This move aims to ensure supply amidst the crisis.
How do these measures affect Cuban citizens?
The measures primarily affect those without access to foreign currency, increasing economic disparity and causing frustration among the population.
What has been the public's response to the dollar-only policy?
There has been significant public outcry, particularly on social media, where citizens express their dissatisfaction with being required to pay in dollars.