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Cuba's Fuel Crisis Reaches Breaking Point in 2026
Cuba is facing one of its most severe fuel crises in decades as drivers now face weeks-long waits to purchase just 20 liters of gasoline through a government-mandated app system that has created more chaos than order. The Caribbean nation's fuel shortage has reached critical levels in early 2026, with daily power outages, canceled flights, and growing black market activity becoming the new normal for Cuba's 11 million residents.
What is Cuba's Ticket App System?
The Cuban government has mandated the use of the 'Ticket' app for all fuel purchases since February 2026, requiring drivers to create accounts, select nearby gas stations, and wait in virtual queues for refueling appointments. Originally developed three years ago for services like notary appointments, the app has become the only legal way to obtain gasoline without resorting to the black market. However, the system is overwhelmed with 90,000 registered users competing for just 50-90 daily appointments at each station, while 10,000-12,000 daily requests flood the system.
How the Ticket App Works (and Why It's Failing)
Drivers must first create an account in the Ticket app, then select their preferred gas station from available options. Once registered, they enter a virtual waiting room where they receive a queue number. A retired Cuban driver in Havana told AP: 'When I finally got into the app, my number was somewhere between 200 and 300. That was a few days ago, and now it's my turn. I've already registered for my next refueling appointment, but I'm number 7000 in line. It's unbelievable.'
The system's failure stems from simple math: with stations processing only 50-90 appointments daily but thousands waiting, the Venezuela oil crisis has created a perfect storm of scarcity. When drivers finally reach the front of the queue, they're limited to just 20 liters (5.2 gallons) and must pay in U.S. dollars at $1.30 per liter, up from the subsidized rate of 25 cents per liter in Cuban pesos.
Root Causes: U.S. Sanctions and Regional Pressure
The fuel crisis has deep roots in geopolitical tensions and economic pressure. Cuba historically received most of its oil from Venezuela, but that supply was cut off after U.S. forces abducted Venezuelan President Maduro in early 2026. Mexico also halted oil shipments to Cuba under U.S. pressure, with the Trump administration threatening import tariffs against any country supplying fuel to the island nation.
This US economic sanctions strategy has created what UN human rights experts have condemned as an 'oil siege' incompatible with international law. The situation has left Cuba's economy paralyzed, with empty bus stops, families resorting to wood and coal for cooking, and airlines unable to refuel at Cuban airports.
Daily Life Impacts Beyond Fuel Lines
The fuel shortage extends far beyond gas stations. Daily life in Cuba has been severely disrupted by:
- Power outages: Electricity cuts lasting up to 11 hours daily
- Transportation collapse: Empty bus stops and limited vehicle movement
- Flight cancellations: Canadian and Russian airlines canceling or rerouting flights
- Black market growth: Gasoline selling for $6 per liter on the illegal market
- Cultural impact: Events canceled and garbage accumulating on streets
Economic and Humanitarian Consequences
The economic impact is staggering for a country where government workers earn less than $20 monthly. At $1.30 per liter for the legal 20-liter limit, a single refuel costs $26 - more than an average monthly salary. The black market offers fuel at $6 per liter, making transportation completely unaffordable for most Cubans.
Boris van der Spek, Latin America correspondent, notes: 'The situation in Cuba has been very dire for some time, but now that Venezuela and Mexico can no longer send oil, the end of the island's supply is increasingly in sight. Then the last facilities will also come to a standstill. At the same time, Cubans have lived in crisis for decades, so they know how to survive. But the pressure on the Cuban regime will increase.'
International Response and Future Outlook
The UN Human Rights Office has expressed serious concerns about Cuba's deepening economic crisis and its impact on basic rights including access to food, healthcare, and essential services. Meanwhile, the Cuban government survival strategies appear focused on rationing and digital management of scarce resources.
There are signals that negotiations with the U.S. are underway, but details remain unclear. As van der Spek observes: 'The greater the need in Cuba, the more important it becomes for the regime that sanctions are eased. But that means: making concessions. The question is whether the regime is willing to do that.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Cubans wait for gasoline in 2026?
Cuban drivers face weeks to months-long waits for gasoline, with queue numbers reaching 7,000 or higher in the Ticket app system. Some stations process only 50-90 appointments daily despite thousands of requests.
Why is Cuba experiencing a fuel crisis?
The crisis stems from U.S. sanctions and pressure on Venezuela and Mexico to halt oil shipments to Cuba. After U.S. forces abducted Venezuelan President Maduro in early 2026, Cuba lost its main oil supplier, and Mexico stopped shipments under U.S. threats of tariffs.
What is the Ticket app and how does it work?
The Ticket app is a government-mandated system for scheduling fuel appointments in Cuba. Users create accounts, select gas stations, and wait in virtual queues for refueling slots. The app has been overwhelmed by demand, creating longer waits than traditional lines.
How much gasoline can Cubans purchase at once?
Cubans are limited to just 20 liters (5.2 gallons) per refueling appointment, and must pay in U.S. dollars at $1.30 per liter instead of the previous subsidized rate of 25 cents per liter in Cuban pesos.
What are the broader impacts of Cuba's fuel shortage?
Beyond transportation, the fuel crisis causes daily power outages up to 11 hours, flight cancellations, canceled cultural events, accumulating garbage, and growing black market activity where gasoline sells for $6 per liter.
Sources
Los Angeles Times: Cuban drivers face months-long waits
CP24: Cuban drivers face months-long wait
