What's happened
Cuba's government mandated the use of the Ticket app for refueling appointments amid fuel shortages. Drivers report waiting weeks or months for slots, with the government only selling expensive fuel in U.S. dollars. The app is now the primary way to refuel, replacing black market reliance.
What's behind the headline?
The Ticket app's rollout highlights Cuba's worsening fuel crisis and government control measures. The long wait times for appointments reveal systemic inefficiencies and the impact of US sanctions, which have intensified fuel shortages. The shift to paid fuel in U.S. dollars deepens economic hardship for ordinary Cubans earning less than $20 monthly. The reliance on WhatsApp groups for information underscores the failure of the official system to meet demand. This situation will likely persist, further fueling black market activity and economic instability. The government's focus on digital solutions masks deeper structural issues, and unless imports improve, shortages will continue to worsen, impacting daily life and economic stability.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the Ticket app is only providing refueling slots weeks or months ahead, with some drivers holding appointment numbers in the thousands. AP News highlights that the app is now almost the only way to refuel legally, as Cuba has stopped subsidized local currency sales. Both sources note the severe shortages and the black market's rise, with fuel prices reaching up to six dollars per liter. The Independent emphasizes the app's limitations and the public's reliance on WhatsApp for alternative information, illustrating the systemic failure to meet demand. AP News contextualizes the crisis within US sanctions and Cuba's political stance, portraying a broader geopolitical struggle that exacerbates the fuel shortage.
How we got here
Cuba has faced increasing fuel shortages and blackouts due to difficulties in importing oil. The government previously subsidized fuel in local currency, but now only sells more expensive fuel in U.S. dollars. The Ticket app, run by a state-owned firm, was introduced three years ago for notary appointments and has become the main tool for refueling amid shortages.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are Cubans Facing Long Waits for Fuel?
Cuba is currently experiencing a severe fuel shortage, leading to long waits and limited access to gasoline. The government has introduced a new app called Ticket to manage refueling, but it’s causing frustration among drivers. Many wonder why the fuel crisis has worsened and what it means for Cuba’s economy and daily life. Below, we explore the reasons behind these shortages, how the Ticket app works, and what the future might hold for Cuba’s fuel supply.
-
What’s Causing Fuel Shortages in Countries Like Cuba?
Fuel shortages are impacting many countries worldwide, with Cuba experiencing some of the most severe disruptions. The crisis is driven by a combination of geopolitical issues, economic sanctions, and supply chain problems. Many wonder what’s behind these shortages and how they might affect daily life and global markets. Below, we explore the causes, responses, and potential consequences of these fuel supply issues.
-
How Does the Ukraine Conflict Impact Global Energy Security?
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has far-reaching effects beyond the battlefield, especially on global energy supplies. As Ukraine recovers territory and prepares for peace talks, concerns grow about energy infrastructure attacks and supply disruptions. Many wonder how these developments could influence fuel availability worldwide and what measures countries are taking to secure their energy future. Below, we explore key questions about energy security amid this geopolitical crisis.
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (Latin American Spanish: [miˈɣel ˈdi.as kaˈnel]; born 20 April 1960) is a Cuban politician and engineer who has served as the 8th First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, since 2021, and as the 17th president of Cub
-
Venezuela, officially the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, is a country on the northern coast of South America, consisting of a continental landmass and many small islands and islets in the Caribbean Sea.
-
Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.