Cuba is facing a mounting waste crisis as severe fuel shortages cripple garbage collection across the island, leaving streets piled with trash and raising public health concerns.
Only 44 of Havana’s 106 garbage trucks are currently operational, according to state-run Cubadebate, slowing collection and leaving piles of rotting food, cardboard, plastics, and rags scattered in public areas. Flies swarm the waste, while residents sift through rubbish for reusable items and motorists navigate around the heaps.
“It’s all over the city,” said local resident Jose Ramon Cruz. “It’s been more than 10 days since a garbage truck came.” Social media posts from other Cuban cities reveal similar concerns over sanitation and health risks.
The shortages follow a halt in fuel shipments from Venezuela, Cuba’s former primary supplier, and Mexico’s suspension of deliveries after US sanctions threatened higher trade tariffs. The Trump administration’s tightened embargo has worsened the island’s energy crisis, affecting daily life and essential services.
Cuban authorities have introduced measures to manage fuel demand, including mandatory apps to book refueling appointments, yet drivers report month-long waits. Gasoline costs around $1.30 per liter at official stations, rising to $6 per liter on the black market, while government salaries remain extremely low, often below $20 a month in US dollar equivalent.
President Trump has called the situation a “humanitarian threat,” urging Cuba to negotiate a deal with the US, while stopping short of endorsing military intervention. Meanwhile, the Cuban government continues to struggle to maintain essential services under unprecedented energy constraints.
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