A Cuban man, identified as Daudy, recently shared a video on TikTok expressing his outrage over spending 18,000 pesos for just three liters of gasoline on the black market. However, the online community's reaction took an unexpected turn: instead of focusing on the steep fuel price, viewers were captivated by his gold teeth.
In the 39-second clip, Daudy showcases the three liters he just bought, unable to hide his shock: "Folks, it's unbelievable, look at this, three liters, three liters I just purchased. Three liters at six thousand pesos per liter, eighteen thousand pesos. I just paid eighteen thousand pesos for these."
To back up his claim, Daudy turns to his own son as a witness. "To the tank in Cerro, because children and drunks don't lie," he states, asking the child how much his dad paid, and the boy confirms the amount.
Adding to the outrage over the price, Daudy mentions another concerning detail about the product's quality: "This smells more like lubricant than gasoline," hinting that the fuel might be tampered with.
However, what truly grabbed the attention of those who watched the video was neither the price nor the potential adulteration, but the distinctive style of the protagonist. The online audience focused on his gold teeth, sparking the real conversation topic: "And how much for the teeth?"
Gold teeth hold cultural significance in Cuba, particularly among the working class, symbolizing social status and economic success. Their cost ranges from $200 to $500, usually accessible through remittances or the informal economy. The irony of complaining about spending nearly three monthly minimum wages on gasoline while sporting such a valuable dental accessory did not go unnoticed.
The price Daudy paid highlights the severe surge in fuel costs on Cuba's black market during the early months of 2026. Back in January, a liter sold for between 700 and 1,500 pesos depending on the province; by April, it had skyrocketed to between 4,000 and 6,000 pesos, a fourfold increase in just three months.
The crisis stems from structural issues: the disruption of Venezuelan oil shipments since December 2025, the halt in Pemex supplies in January 2026, and pressure from the Trump administration on countries supplying Cuba. In Havana, only three state-run gas stations remain operational, with lines lasting up to 15 hours and a twenty-liter per person limit.
With the average Cuban salary hovering between 3,000 and 4,000 pesos monthly, the 18,000 pesos Daudy spent for three liters equates to nearly three full minimum wages. Another Cuban reportedly paid 50,000 pesos for ten liters on March 26, a figure that underscores the collapse of the island's fuel distribution system.
Understanding the Fuel Crisis in Cuba
What led to the gasoline price surge in Cuba?
The surge in gasoline prices is attributed to the interruption of Venezuelan oil supplies, the cessation of Pemex shipments, and political pressures from the Trump administration on nations providing resources to Cuba.
How do gold teeth represent status in Cuba?
Gold teeth are a cultural emblem in Cuba, particularly among lower-income groups, symbolizing wealth and social status, often obtained through remittances or the informal economy.