HAVANA – Long lines stretching for blocks outside banks in Cuba are highlighting the growing economic hardship faced by some of the country’s most vulnerable citizens, particularly pensioners.
Reports and images circulating show elderly Cubans waiting for hours—sometimes overnight or from the early morning—in an attempt to withdraw their pensions. In many cases, access to cash is not guaranteed, as banks frequently run out of money before all those in line are served.
Long lines in Cuba
Those unable to withdraw funds are often forced to return another day and repeat the process, enduring long hours under the sun with limited assistance or priority. The situation underscores broader challenges in the country’s financial system, including cash shortages and limited liquidity.
For many pensioners, the value of their monthly payments has been significantly eroded by inflation and currency devaluation. At informal exchange rates, pensions are often estimated to be worth only a few U.S. dollars, further reducing purchasing power.
Cuba has been grappling with a deepening economic crisis in recent years, marked by shortages of basic goods, rising prices, and increasing pressure on public services. The situation has contributed to growing social frustration, particularly among older populations who depend on fixed incomes.
While Cuban authorities have acknowledged economic difficulties and point to external factors such as sanctions, critics argue that structural issues within the system are exacerbating the crisis and affecting daily life.
The scenes at banks reflect a broader struggle for access to basic financial resources, as many Cubans face uncertainty even when trying to withdraw money that is already theirs.