"Must Wait 12 Days to Refuel Cars"…Cuba Suffers from Severe Diesel Shortage

Economic Crisis in Venezuela Hits Hard... Importing Russian Fuel as Substitute
Remaining Diesel Also Used to Alleviate 'Power Shortage'

On the 6th, citizens are refueling their vehicles at the budget gas station in Mannam Square Rest Area, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Although the fuel tax reduction rate was increased from 30% to 37% starting this month, the decrease in fuel prices has been minimal, so consumers do not feel the impact. According to Opinet, the oil price information site of the Korea National Oil Corporation, the average gasoline price at gas stations nationwide on the afternoon of the 5th was 2,117.18 KRW per liter, down 3.40 KRW from the previous day, and the diesel price was 2,150.78 KRW, down 2.30 KRW from the previous day. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Se-eun] As Cuba's fuel shortage worsens, the suffering of its residents is also increasing.

On the 16th (local time), the Associated Press reported that amid Cuba's recent diesel shortage, the remaining diesel is being used for electricity generation.

Because of this, drivers of trucks and taxis who absolutely need diesel for their livelihoods have been lining up for days in front of gas stations.

Johan Rodriguez, a taxi driver in the capital Havana, stood in the front group among hundreds of vehicles waiting for fuel after waiting for 12 days. He pushed his car, which had already run out of fuel, forward in the queue.

Drivers waiting in front of a gas station in Havana, Cuba. Photo by AP, Yonhap News Agency

In Cuba, it is prohibited to receive fuel in containers other than the vehicle's fuel tank. Rodriguez said, "Even if I fill the tank of my 1954 Oldsmobile, it only lasts three days." After three days, the long wait at the gas station begins again.

He expressed frustration over the lack of clear explanation from the authorities, saying, "If there had been a notice at some point that fuel would be used for electricity supply, I could have understood."

The fuel shortage in the island nation of Cuba, located in the Caribbean Sea, has been ongoing for some time.

Cuba imported about half of its domestic fuel consumption from Venezuela. However, as Venezuela's oil industry declined due to prolonged economic difficulties and U.S. sanctions, Cuba was also directly impacted.

The worsening power shortage in Cuba is also cited as a major cause of the fuel shortage.

Cuba relies on thermal power for half of its electricity demand. However, most of the power plants are aging and often cannot operate properly. Because this power shortage led to public dissatisfaction, the remaining diesel was used for electricity generation, further deepening the fuel shortage.

Meanwhile, Cuba has sought to secure Russian fuel as a substitute for Venezuelan supplies, but it seems unlikely that the fuel shortage will be resolved immediately.