Cuban drivers endure long wait times for gasoline despite a government app aimed at reducing queues.

Cuba is currently grappling with significant fuel shortages, compelling drivers across the island to endure lengthy wait times, with some facing the prospect of several months before they can refuel their vehicles. This crisis has been exacerbated by recent sanctions imposed by the United States, which have limited Cuba’s ability to import oil.

In an effort to manage the crisis and prevent disorder at gas stations, the Cuban government has implemented a digital appointment system via an application called Ticket. However, many users in Havana report severe delays in obtaining appointments, with some being assigned numbers in the thousands, rendering them unable to refuel for weeks or potentially months.

Local resident Jorge Reyes, 65, exemplifies the frustration felt by many Cubans, having downloaded the app recently and being assigned a number that indicates he is far down the line for an appointment. The gas stations in Havana are allowing only a limited number of appointments each day, resulting in long lines and significant wait times.

Drivers are restricted to purchasing a maximum of 20 liters of gasoline per visit, which raises concerns about how long this provision will last, particularly for those who use their vehicles for essential travel. Ariel Alonso, a businessman who recently filled his tank, expressed trepidation about the adequacy of the fuel, especially considering the need to reserve some for emergencies.

The Ticket app, developed by a state-owned firm, has emerged as nearly the sole means for drivers to secure fuel without resorting to the black market, where prices can soar to over per liter. Compounding the issue, the Cuban government has ceased the subsidized sale of gasoline in local currency and is now requiring purchases to be made in U.S. dollars, a move that poses an additional burden on a population where wages often amount to less than a month.

The ongoing fuel crisis is reflective of broader economic difficulties in Cuba, including severe blackouts and a lack of resources necessary to operate power plants. Deteriorating international relations, especially with the U.S. under previous administrations, have limited the island’s oil supply, primarily from Venezuela.

As discussions around potential negotiations with the U.S. surface, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has denounced the current situation as an energy blockade, asserting that any talks would need to respect Cuba’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, the impact on daily life continues to grow, with cancelled flights, postponed events, and a significant reduction in essential services as the government seeks solutions to the energy shortage.

International observers, including United Nations human rights experts, have criticized the U.S. sanctions, suggesting that they infringe on international law. The current fuel emergency in Cuba underscores the intersection of local governance, international relations, and the challenges of maintaining a functional economy amidst external pressures.

This situation remains fluid, and as the Cuban government navigates these hurdles, the realities for everyday citizens highlight the urgent need for solutions to ensure access to essential resources and stable living conditions. Further developments are anticipated as the island responds to both internal demands and external diplomatic pressures. Whether an easing of tensions can result in improved conditions for Cubans is uncertain, but the current challenges pose significant obstacles ahead.

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