Most gas stations in this capital city are closed, and those that work can sell fuel up to 40 percent above the official price on the pretext that oil companies demand payment for hydrocarbons in dollars.
A year and a half after the private sector took over the entire fuel chain, the crises are protracted and repeated.
Currently, the Big Five importing oil companies are requiring stations to pay for products in foreign currency due to a lack of dollars in the banking system, which has prompted many suppliers to shut down operations.
The government is silent about the new shortages, despite promising regular fuel sales in September and withdrawing the subsidy on the item that doubled gasoline prices.
The crisis also affected other areas such as transportation, which significantly increased its costs, while the country lacks government services for personal mobility.
Similarly, food prices rose at a time when nearly half the population is food insecure, according to United Nations data.
Last year fuel shortages worsened in the Caribbean state and the two-month blockade of the main oil terminal by gangs made the situation worse.
Add to this the insecurity responsible for thousands of deaths in 2022, political instability, economic recession and widespread popular discontent.
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