Residents of the town of El Cristo, in Santiago de Cuba, reported a presumed irregularity in the sale of liquefied gas, a service that is already expensive and inefficient in Cuba.
The complaints were made by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta on his Facebook profile. Several people claim that the workers at the El Cristo sales point only distribute 50 gas canisters, despite receiving a larger shipment.
The diversion of gas cylinders for alleged sale in the black market generates outrage, discomfort, and exacerbates the crisis that users dependent on this fuel for cooking are suffering.
"It's abusive what's happening here. 200 rounds arrive and are finished off with 50 people. The worst part is that they sell them on the black market for 2,500 pesos," commented one of the complainants.
That person claims that local authorities are aware of the situation, but do not take measures to resolve it. This fact happens frequently and affects the residents of the area.
The increase in the price of gas canisters, announced by the Cuban government in January, further worsens the situation.
Since March 1, customers who previously paid 180 CUP for a 20-pound gas cylinder now have to pay 225 CUP, which represents a 20% increase.
This service is considered expensive for many Cubans and has become more inaccessible due to corruption at the sales points. The problem is not limited to El Cristo; the same happens in other areas of Santiago de Cuba, where the small items are diverted to be sold at higher prices on the black market.
The neighbors are calling on the authorities to take urgent measures and stop these types of practices that affect the already precarious quality of life on the island.
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