An economic and social crisis is brewing in Cuba. The situation of citizens is now additionally hindered by the drastic restrictions on fuel sales introduced by the government. The government in Havana found an enemy abroad. He says it’s the fault of foreign contractors who have reduced supplies.
From Monday, “until further notice”, fuel at gas stations can be refueled in some provinces – m.in. in the central province of Santa Clara – only those owners of private cars who, under special licenses, operate for a fee as “public transport”.
The order also applies to vehicle owners who, on the basis of concluded contracts, “provide basic services” by supporting, among others, health services as ambulances.
All gas stations on Cuba the “refueling limit” for private cars is valid from Sunday – up to 40 liters of fuel.
The authorities in Cuba introduced drastic restrictions on the sale of fuelYander Zamora/PAP/EPA
Problems with access to fuel in Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel explained in a radio and television speech that the blame for the drastic restrictions on fuel sales was borne by their foreign suppliers, who “did not fulfill the contracts concluded”.
In this situation, the government, as stated by the president, had to introduce restrictions, among others due to the fact that the continuity of fuel supplies depends, among others, on operation of small local power plants in Cuba.
Although the situation in the capital Havana is relatively best when it comes to fuel supplies, the shortages made themselves felt here as well. Last Sunday, the Warsaw Philharmonic had to cancel a gala concert due to a power outage.
Main photo source: Yander Zamora/PAP/EPA