Cuba's Antique Taxis Sit Idle in Fuel Crisis as Blackouts Stretch to 20 Hours
Updated
Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 8
Cuba's Antique Taxis Sit Idle in Fuel Crisis as Blackouts Stretch to 20 Hours
3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 8
Summary
Fuel shortages that have gripped Cuba since January are sidelining many of the island’s vintage “almendrones,” shared taxis that remain central to daily transport and small-business income.
Cuba produces only about 40% of the fuel it consumes, and officials say tighter U.S. sanctions and threats against countries shipping oil to the island have choked imports; only one Russian tanker has arrived since then.
20 liters of gasoline can require months on a government reservation app, while black-market fuel can cost up to $8 a liter, leaving drivers unable to work and residents facing blackouts lasting up to 20 hours.
The squeeze is hitting a transport system that still relies heavily on the old American cars because newer vehicles are unaffordable for most Cubans, even as electric motorcycles and small EVs begin appearing.