The distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) resumed this Friday in Cuba following the arrival of a ship carrying 9,377 tons of the product at the “Hermanos Díaz” refinery in Santiago de Cuba; however, authorities acknowledged that this delivery will not meet the high accumulated demand in the country.
Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of Unión Cuba-Petróleo, explained to CubaDebate that the current distribution aims to alleviate the "gap in fuel supply" caused by delays in the arrival of LPG.
This supply shortage impacted a significant proportion of the 1.7 million registered customers on the island. In Havana, Artemisa, and Mayabeque, 20% of consumers were unable to receive the service, while in the rest of the country, this figure rose to 63%, equivalent to more than 735,000 customers.
The official attributed these difficulties to complications in international payments resulting from the economic sanctions imposed by the United States government: “Now we are required to pay 100% before unloading, which increases freight costs and causes additional delays due to issues with bank transfers.”
To address the deficit, the distribution will prioritize those consumers who were unable to access LPG in the previous cycle.
In provinces such as Havana, Mayabeque, and Artemisa, during the first four days of delivery, the product will be exclusively for these customers, based on lists published by the commercial houses. In the other provinces, this process will extend for five days.
Despite these efforts, the estimated coverage of LPG with the current supply is only 17 to 20 days.
The authorities are also assessing the reorganization of delivery cycles to better serve consumers equitably, with particular attention to vulnerable households.
This limited distribution reflects the ongoing energy crisis faced by the island, exacerbated by logistical and economic challenges that complicate the procurement and delivery of fuel.
The arrival of LPG in eastern Cuba comes amid a severe shortage, making it essential for food preparation, especially in light of the blackouts that restrict the use of electric appliances.
In recent weeks, the population has faced long lines and tensions due to the scarcity of resources, amplified by prolonged power outages affecting the entire country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Liquefied Gas Distribution in Cuba
Why is the distribution of liquefied gas in Cuba not sufficient to meet demand?
The distribution of liquefied gas is insufficient due to financial problems arising from the economic sanctions imposed by the United States, which complicate payments to international suppliers and cause delays in fuel deliveries. This has led to partial shipments that cannot meet the high accumulated demand on the island.
How is the Cuban government prioritizing the distribution of liquefied gas?
The Cuban government is prioritizing the distribution of liquefied gas to consumers who were unable to receive the product in the previous cycle. In provinces such as Havana, Mayabeque, and Artemisa, the LPG will be allocated exclusively to these consumers during the first days of delivery, with lists published by the commercial houses.
How long will the current supply of liquefied gas last in Cuba?
The estimated coverage of LPG with the current supply is only 17 to 20 days, which reflects the limited distribution capacity in light of the high demand existing in the country.
What alternatives are Cubans using in response to the shortage of liquefied gas?
Due to the shortage of liquefied gas, many Cubans have turned to alternative cooking methods, such as using wood or charcoal stoves. The sale of charcoal burners has reemerged on social media, although the high prices of these products highlight the severity of the energy crisis in the country.
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