The comedian Reuel Remedios, best known for his character Lindoro Incapaz—a boastful and corrupt company director from the TV show "Deja que yo te cuente"—has shed light on the process of securing a spot in line to purchase gasoline in Havana. He explained that nearly every gas station operates a Telegram group where customers register to find out when fuel will be available and when it's their turn to buy. The group announces the opening time the day before, prompting a frantic rush among Remedios and his friends, phones in hand, to sign up.
A humorous video captures the "virtual scramble" as they all vie for a coveted spot. "I got number 7,200. I hope by summer I can make it to the beach with this gasoline. I should get my turn by July," Lindoro optimistically remarked. "Expect mistakes, folks," he added with a chuckle.
In another skit, Lindoro portrays a company executive who relies on his electric scooter since "Ms. Gasoline" has been absent so frequently that she's about to be let go. "And now she thinks she's something because her sister, who fancies herself special, went to work for dollars," he quipped. "An executive on foot is incomplete, unless Ms. Electricity decides to join Ms. Special," he said with a touch of sarcasm.
Since last month, the Cuban government has restricted the purchase of special gasoline exclusively to transactions in U.S. dollars (USD), due to the island's severe fuel shortages. The crisis has worsened in recent months, characterized by widespread scarcity, long queues at gas stations, and purchasing restrictions.
In Havana, drivers endure days waiting in line to refuel, often without success. The method described by Lindoro Incapaz is indeed genuine. In December, a worker from MINREX revealed that this system is used in some gas stations to manage queues. "Through the Telegram app, join the CUPET Tángana group. When registration opens, send a message with your license plate number and desired fuel type, e.g., P123456 R. After closing the sign-up, organizers release a document with each person's turn number and call them through the group to obtain the much-needed fuel," he elaborated.
Havana's drivers have dubbed the endless gas station queues "La cola seca" or "The dry line," clinging to hope that they will eventually be replenished.
Understanding Havana's Gasoline Queue System
How do drivers in Havana register for gasoline?
Drivers use Telegram groups created by gas stations to register for gasoline. They are informed in advance when the group will open for registration to secure their spot in line.
Why is Havana experiencing gasoline shortages?
Cuba is facing severe fuel shortages, exacerbated by limited supplies and restrictions imposed by the government. This has led to long lines and difficulties in obtaining gasoline.
What are "La cola seca" queues?
"La cola seca," or "The dry line," refers to the lengthy waits at gas stations where drivers hope for a fuel delivery, despite the scarcity and lack of immediate availability.