A Facebook post advertising special gasoline at $5.50 USD per liter from Havana's Arroyo Naranjo district has sparked a wave of ironic reactions among Cubans both on the island and abroad. Many were quick to compare this price to what they pay for fuel in the United States.
The video quickly amassed over 94,000 views and garnered hundreds of comments in just under two days. It features a 1,000-liter industrial container, with a minimum purchase requirement of 50 liters. At this rate, a gallon—approximately 3.785 liters—would cost about $20.80 USD, leaving many followers in disbelief.
Comparisons with US Gas Prices
The contrast with U.S. gas prices was immediate. "Here I was complaining about paying 4 dollars a gallon in the U.S.," one commenter wrote, laughing at the situation.
Another echoed the sentiment: "For those who complain about gas prices in the U.S., try paying almost $6 per liter."
One individual shared a photo of a U.S. gas station showing $3.759 per gallon and remarked, "And I was almost crying over this the other day."
Concerns Over Quality and Availability
An observer did a quick calculation and bluntly stated: "What a madness, 22 dollars a gallon." Skepticism about the product's quality was also evident: "That must have everything but gasoline." Some warned of even higher prices in the future: "They say it might go up to 10 dollars soon."
Others pointed out the underlying paradox. "I don't understand anything; how is this gasoline available when the people don't have any?" commented another, highlighting the contradiction of a flourishing informal market while most Cubans can't access fuel. One person described it bluntly: "That's harsh, man, that's abuse."
The Fuel Crisis in Cuba
The ad underscores the severity of Cuba's fuel crisis in 2026, acknowledged by Díaz-Canel in April when he admitted the island lacked fuel "for almost everything."
State-run gas stations operate only in dollars, impose a 20-liter limit per vehicle, and create queues lasting over 15 hours, pushing much of the population to a black market where prices have soared.
Since May 15, 2026, the regime has liberalized and increased the official gasoline prices at dollarized stations, setting special B100 gasoline at $2.60 USD per liter.
Even so, the black market far exceeds these rates. Prices reported in June ranged from 3,500 to 8,000 Cuban pesos (CUP) per liter, with some cases reaching 16,000 CUP for just three liters.
The collapse of the Cuban peso exacerbates the situation further. This Thursday, the dollar traded at 685 CUP in the informal market, a historic record reflecting a depreciation of over 95% compared to the 42 CUP per dollar in 2020.
With this exchange rate, the average monthly salary in Cuba—barely exceeding 5,000 CUP—would hardly buy less than a liter of gasoline at the black market price announced in the video: 5.50 USD.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gasoline Prices in Cuba
Why are gasoline prices so high in Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, with limited availability and a flourishing black market where prices have skyrocketed due to economic mismanagement and geopolitical challenges.
How do Cuban gasoline prices compare to those in the United States?
Gasoline prices in Cuba, especially on the black market, are significantly higher than in the United States, where prices are around $4 per gallon compared to Cuba's $20.80 USD per gallon equivalent.
What impact does the Cuban peso's collapse have on fuel prices?
The plummeting value of the Cuban peso worsens the situation, making it even harder for locals to afford gasoline, as their purchasing power diminishes drastically against the USD.