Cuba is currently facing a significant fuel shortage, attributed primarily to the ongoing U.S. oil embargo, forcing drivers to endure lengthy waits for gasoline. In an attempt to manage the situation and avoid chaos at gas stations, the Cuban government has mandated that drivers use an application called Ticket to schedule their refueling appointments. However, users in Havana reported that the app only provides appointments weeks or even months in advance, leading to frustration among many drivers, such as Jorge Reyes, who expressed his dismay at receiving an appointment far in the future due to limited daily slots offered by fuel stations.

The Ticket app restricts users to making only one appointment at a time, creating an additional layer of complexity in an already challenging situation. This restriction has led some drivers to share tips and information in community groups to help one another navigate the limited availability of appointments. As the fuel supply remains tight, these adaptations highlight the challenges faced by the Cuban population in their daily lives, exacerbating an already difficult economic climate.

The implications of this situation extend beyond just the inconvenience of refueling; it reflects broader systemic issues within the Cuban economy, influenced by external pressures such as the U.S. embargo and internal management of resources. The reliance on a scheduling app for a basic necessity like fuel underlines the precarious situation facing many Cubans today, raising questions about the future stability and functionality of everyday life in the country.