Lack of liquefied gas in Matanzas affects over 100,000 households

About 109,877 households in Matanzas are suffering the consequences of the severe liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crisis that has been affecting Cuba since October, deemed the worst since the energy contingency of May 2023.

The province, which relies on LPG for cooking food, is facing a critical shortage of the product, accompanied by distribution problems and a shortage of cylinders.

"With such low availability, we have had to adopt mechanisms to meet the oldest demand, although we have not been able to fully satisfy it. There are still customers who have not received gas since July or even the first half of the year," explained José Luis Lemus Gil, head of the LPG area at the Business Unit Base (UEB) Territorial Division of Fuel Marketing (DTCC) in Matanzas, to the official newspaper Girón.

In municipalities such as Martí, Los Arabos, and Colón, the situation is particularly critical due to the high number of customers.

"We have reached Colón three times, and Martí and Los Arabos just once, but the amount sent is not enough to meet the demand. There are so many contracts there that it is quite difficult to fulfill," Lemus admitted.

Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the distribution of LPG exacerbates the discomfort of citizens, who do not know until 6:00 p.m. the day before whether the product will be available.

This problem, according to Lemus, is due to the reliance on external carriers, who often do not ensure the complete process, further delaying distribution.

The crisis also impacts access to cylinders, which are essential for distribution. The Metal Forming Company Noel Fernández (Conformat), the only cylinder producer in Cuba, has been unable to meet demand, despite promising to double its production before the end of the year.

"We are waiting for a shipment of cylinders that will allow us to create an inventory and thus resume the delivery and receipt mechanism on the same day,” acknowledged Lemus.

Citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, criticizing the lack of official information.

The Facebook page of the UEB DTCC has not updated information about LPG since November, while explanations about distribution in its Telegram group are scarce, acknowledged the state-run newspaper.

The initial plan was for the gas ship to arrive in Matanzas on November 21, but this was not possible due to weather conditions, and the product had to be redirected to other more affected provinces,” Lemus clarified.

The virtual store that allowed the purchase of LPG through the EnZona platform was also suspended, along with the messaging service, depriving the elderly, people with disabilities, and citizens with complicated work schedules of an essential tool.

According to the official, this is due to two main reasons: the shortage of the product and the deficit of cylinders.

The impact of the crisis goes beyond the lack of gas, leading to an increase in electricity consumption, estimated at an additional 250 MW, and forcing many families to cook with firewood, a practice that is not only inconvenient but also harmful to health and the environment.

Meanwhile, the population continues to wait for a solution that seems increasingly distant. As one resident expressed, "The uncertainty consumes us; a little gas has become a luxury that few can afford."

Frequently Asked Questions about the Liquefied Gas Shortage in Matanzas, Cuba