- Title: Facing fuel shortage in Cuba, Havana diplomats roll up sleeves
- Date: 7th April 2017
- Summary: HAVANA, CUBA (APRIL 07, 2017) (REUTERS) CARS IN LINE AT GAS STATION LICENSE PLATE GENERAL VIEW OF CAR WAITING TO GET FILLED UP AT GAS STATION AMERICAN FLAG ON CAR DASHBOARD (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) STAFFER FROM THE EMBASSY OF GAMBIA, ENRIQUE, SAYING: "The problem of gasoline, well, it's complicated. These cars are from the diplomatic corps and have had their problems." DRIVER FILLING CAR GENERAL VIEW OF LINE OF CARS AT GAS STATION DRIVERS PUSHING CARS THAT HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS (SOUNDBITE) (English) FRENCH TOURIST, CEMY LETEVE, SAYING: "We arrived yesterday, we rented the car, they told us to go to a petrol station. We did like maybe six or seven different petrol stations and they were all closed. So hopefully in this one, we are going to find some petrol." CLOSED GAS STATION NON-WORKING GAS TANK DIGITAL REGISTERS ON IDLE GAS TANK SET AT ZERO GENERAL VIEW OF CARS ON THE ROAD
- Embargoed: 21st April 2017 23:14
- Keywords: diplomats gas stations gasoline shortage Cuba energy
- Location: HAVANA, CUBA
- City: HAVANA, CUBA
- Country: Cuba
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0016BEK9QB
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: When they are not tending to international affairs, diplomats based in Havana can be found these days stewing in interminable queues at gas stations and concocting ways to increase octane in fuel as Cuba's premium grade gasoline shortage takes its toll.
Cuba sent around an internal memo last week advising that it would restrict sales of 95-octane, so-called "special fuel" in April. That's not an issue for most Cuban drivers, whose vintage American Cars and Soviet-era Ladas use regular, 91-octane fuel.
But it is for the embassies that use modern cars that use the "special fuel" which can no longer be found at most Havana gas stations. So the diplomats are taking a leaf out of the book of Cubans, used to such shortages, and becoming resourceful.
Some embassies in Havana have people scouting out which stations still have some and are sending around regular updates to staff. They are also advising people to carpool.
The shortage is also throwing a wrench in the plans of tourists who usually rent more modern cars. Many have been sent on a goose chase looking for special fuel.
Cuba has not announced the measure officially yet. According to the memo, the special fuel remaining in stock at gas stations from April will only be sold in cash and to tourists until the inventory is depleted.
Meanwhile the European Union has requested from the ministry of foreign affairs that one or more service centres be set aside for diplomats with special gas, according to a European diplomat.
Cuba has become increasingly reliant on its socialist ally Venezuela for refined oil products but the latter has faced its own fuel shortage in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, the government cannot easily replace subsidised Venezuelan supplies as it is strapped for cash.
Although the memo referred to April, it is not clear how long the shortage will last. Cubans joke that once something disappears in Cuba, it is never to return, referring to products that have disappeared from their ration book.
The Peugeot dealership in Havana has sent its clients lists of technical tips how to protect their motors while using lower grade gasoline, including more frequent maintenance and ensuring vehicles running at optimum temperature before driving. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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