A Cuban resident named Tania García has taken to Facebook to highlight the disarray and corruption surrounding fuel distribution in Havana. In her video, García describes how her entire day was consumed by the struggle to "hunt down gasoline" and endure confrontations while waiting in line.
García paints a picture of a chaotic scenario where drivers must secure their place in line a day in advance to receive a queue number. With only three gas stations across the capital dispensing fuel, each person is limited to 20 liters, and even monetary incentives don’t guarantee access to gasoline.
"This is the harsh reality of getting gas here—it's a scramble just to secure 20 liters, and even then, progress is impossible because you have to line up the day before. Only certain numbers are given, and with only three stations selling gasoline in Havana, even paying extra doesn’t assure you a spot," she lamented.
According to García, the black market price for fuel has soared to about 10 dollars per liter, a staggering contrast to the Cuban minimum wage of 2,100 pesos monthly.
The fuel crisis in Cuba, which began worsening at the end of 2025, has intensified this year due to halted Venezuelan oil shipments, Pemex supply suspensions starting January 9, 2026, and a January 29 executive order from President Donald Trump threatening tariffs on countries supplying fuel to the island.
Cuba requires over 100,000 barrels daily but manages to produce just 40% of its consumption needs. To cope, the Cimex corporation launched the digital "Ticket" system in February to book fuel station appointments. This system sells fuel exclusively in dollars—ranging from 1.10 to 1.30 dollars per liter—and maintains a 20-liter cap per vehicle. Despite this, waiting lists have ballooned to 7,000 to 15,000 requests per station, with only 50 to 90 cars served daily.
This scenario has led to a thriving black market and organized groups monopolizing turns. Informal prices have skyrocketed from 700-1,500 pesos per liter in January to 4,000-6,000 pesos—equivalent to eight to 10 dollars—more recently. One Cuban even paid 18,000 pesos for merely three liters of fuel.
In response, authorities conducted raids, arresting 16 individuals on March 29 for illegally selling fuel at stations in Playa and Plaza de la Revolución. Yet the shortage endures, forcing Havana residents to wait up to 26 hours for just 20 liters.
The Cuban government has described the energy situation as "Zero Option," reminiscent of the 1990s Special Period, while awaiting new shipments of Russian fuel to mitigate the crisis. García sums up the exhausting ordeal: "If you ask what I did today, it was just chasing gas and enduring the queue."
Understanding Cuba's Fuel Crisis
What is causing the fuel shortage in Cuba?
The fuel shortage is primarily due to the cessation of Venezuelan oil shipments, a halt in Pemex supplies, and U.S. tariffs threatening countries supplying fuel to Cuba.
How is the Cuban government managing the fuel crisis?
The government has implemented a digital "Ticket" system for fuel reservations, but the demand far exceeds supply, leading to long waiting lists and a thriving black market.
What are the consequences of the fuel crisis for Cuban citizens?
Cuban citizens face long waits, limited fuel availability, and inflated prices both at official stations and in the black market, making everyday life increasingly difficult.