In Cuba, filling up has become a grueling ordeal, with waits stretching into weeks or even months. The El Ticket app, designed to manage this gas shortage, highlights the flaws of an already fragile system, intensifying citizens’ frustrations amid an unprecedented energy crisis.
A Geopolitical Energy Crisis
Since the start of the year, Cuba has been engulfed in a major energy crisis, a direct result of a sharp decline in its oil imports. Venezuela, a historical partner, halted its deliveries following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. authorities. This situation has been worsened by Washington’s threats of sanctions against oil-exporting countries to Havana, including Mexico, which has ceased its exports. President Donald Trump emphasizes this economic pressure, while Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel refers to an “energy blockade.” This context has led to a drop in refined crude production, causing power outages and insufficient gasoline supply to meet rising demand.
El Ticket: A Showcase of Digital Rationing
To try to regulate this shortage, the Cuban government has mandated the use of the El Ticket app. This system aims to limit access to gasoline and prevent crowds at gas stations. However, the reality is much more complex. Users must select a station and secure a refueling slot, but some stations only allocate 50 appointments per day, leaving drivers facing virtual queues that can reach 7,000 to 10,000 requests ahead of theirs. The wait can extend for weeks or even months, and even when their turn arrives, the volume is capped at 20 liters. Meanwhile, subsidized sales in local currency have been suspended, driving the price to about $1.30 per liter at official stations, while black market rates soar to as high as $6 per liter.
Inequalities Amidst the Shortage
In this attempt at organization, the app merely transforms a physical line into a virtual one, offering no real solution for Cubans. Vehicles linked to tourism receive preferential treatment with dedicated stations, illustrating the importance of preserving foreign currency income. This prioritization of the tourism sector underscores the country’s economic fragility, which must juggle increasing power outages and restrictions in other areas, such as banking hours and air transport.
The Consequences of Chaotic Management
The current situation highlights the shortcomings of a system struggling to adapt to contemporary challenges. Digital rationing only exacerbates Cubans’ discontent, trapping them in a cycle of endless waiting. Moreover, the gas crisis is just one part of a larger picture: power outages are widespread, and commercial events are postponed to conserve fuel and energy. This reality underscores Cuba’s dependence on external suppliers and the vulnerability of its energy system amid diplomatic tensions.
Toward an Uncertain Future
In the medium term, Cuba’s energy situation could evolve toward heightened social tensions if no sustainable solution is found. Alternatives, such as accelerating investments in renewable energy, still seem distant. The government will face tough choices between preserving the tourism economy and addressing the basic needs of its population. If the current crisis persists, it could have lasting repercussions on the country’s brand image on the international stage.
In Summary
- Cuba faces a major gas shortage due to geopolitical factors.
- The El Ticket app attempts to regulate access to gasoline but creates inequalities.
- The tourism sector receives preferential treatment amid the crisis.
- Power outages and economic restrictions worsen the situation.
- The country’s energy future remains uncertain without sustainable solutions.
