In a surprise turn of events, Cuba has decided to delay a planned increase in gasoline prices due to a cyberattack, according to Economy Vice Minister Mildrey Granadillo. The decision to delay the price hike, which was originally scheduled for Feb. 1, comes just hours before it was set to take effect.
During a state-run TV newscast, Granadillo announced the delay, citing a “cybersecurity incident in the computer systems for the marketing of fuels.” Granadillo revealed that the origin of the incident has been identified as a virus from abroad, however, no further details were provided.
The decision to delay the price increase comes after a series of measures were announced by Cuba in late December, including hikes in fuel and public transport prices, all in an effort to narrow a significant deficit. Critics of the measures have described them as inflationary, ill-timed, and lacking incentives for domestic production.
Despite the criticism, Granadillo emphasized the government’s stance, referring to the price hikes as a “necessity” to help address a long-standing economic crisis. He also confirmed that fuel will remain at its current prices, adding, “There will not be a stoppage in the services we provide for the sale of fuel to our population.”
It remains to be seen when, or if, the planned increase in gasoline prices will be implemented, and how Cuba will address the cybersecurity incident that led to the decision to delay the hike. The sudden reversal raises questions about the country’s ability to implement much-needed economic reforms and the potential impact on its citizens.
It also underscores the increasingly complex challenges faced by countries around the world when it comes to safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Cuba to see how it navigates through this latest hurdle and whether it will be able to strike a balance between addressing its economic challenges and protecting its citizens from further hardships.
(Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by Richard Chang)
