Severe economic crisis in Cuba leads to fuel and medicine shortages

Cuba is currently grappling with a dire lack of food and medicine, while public transportation has nearly ceased. This is the alarming reality alluding to the intensifying economic crisis in the country, and even the top-ranking officials are no longer able to deny it.

Reuters reports reveal that in recent weeks, various ministers have openly discussed the country's challenges on television during peak viewership hours. The economic crisis on the communist-ruled island has persisted for four years, but the current downturn, intensified by a drop in imports and production, is unprecedented.

"Food production, pharmaceutical deliveries, and transportation have dipped by at least half since 2018 and continue to plummet, mainly due to chronic fuel shortages and irregular electricity supply," Reuters observes. Citing Cuban economist Omar Everleny, there seems to be little to no chance for GDP growth this year.

Agriculture Minister Ydael Jesus Perez disclosed that pork, rice, and bean production - critical ingredients on the Cuban plate - have suffered a drastic decline of over 80% this year relative to pre-crisis levels. Egg production has also been reduced by half.

"We managed to secure only 40% of the required fuel, 4% of necessary fertilizer, and 20% of animal feed," confessed the head of agriculture.

Similarly, the healthcare sector has not been spared. Reuters emphasized that hospitals face shortages of essential supplies including sutures, cotton, and swabs. Surgical procedures performed have reduced by 30% compared to 2019, and there is a 68% shortage of necessary medications. Deputy Health Minister Tania Margarita Cruz Hernandez provided these statistics during a television program.

Public transportation is nearly non-existent due to fuel deficits. The number of buses operating on the island has halved since 2019, down to 300 from 600. Meanwhile, domestic industries are only functioning at 35% efficiency.

"The Cuban government conceded that significant changes are needed to fix its struggling state economy. Local authorities, amidst mounting pressure from intensifying issues, have initiated programs to alleviate hunger, enhance housing availability, and improve transportation. However, these measures are restrained by insufficient funds," Reuters summarises.

Reflecting the intensity of the crisis, the Cuban government was compelled to cancel May's Labor Day celebrations, an unprecedented move in six decades.