A Cuban reported this Thursday that the severe crisis in the supply of domestic gas in La Lisa, Havana, has reached a critical point, with queues that stretch for days and severely affect the quality of life of the residents.
According to the user Fidel Rangel on the social network Facebook, the problem arises from a lack of organization and inefficient control over the distribution process. He recounted his recent experiences trying to access the product.
Rangel detailed that the point of sale is located on 77th Street between 216 and 218, and accused the manager, known as "El Zurdo," of corruption.
He pointed out that this person allegedly sells spots in line for up to 5,000 pesos to "coleros," individuals who manage the queues to profit from scarce products. This not only delays access to gas for families in need but also creates tensions and discontent within the community.
This problem is compounded by a lack of electricity, with blackouts lasting over 24 hours in several areas. This forces families to depend even more on gas for cooking and basic tasks, increasing desperation in the lines.
"The manager should organize the sales by collecting the users' cards and adhering to the order of the notebooks," he noted, "but instead, everything is handled arbitrarily and corruptly."
Additionally, it is noted that the money obtained from illegal sales is distributed among the staff at the distribution point, which perpetuates a system of impunity and corruption at the local level.
The case is not isolated. In October, hundreds of people lined up for hours in Santiago de Cuba to buy liquefied gas after a massive blackout prevented them from cooking.
At that time, 60 percent of the gas supply in Santiago de Cuba was without access to service, leading to chaotic scenes, with crowds scattered across various neighborhoods in the city in search of fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gas Crisis in Cuba
Why are there long lines to buy gas in Havana?
The long lines to buy gas in Havana are due to a supply crisis caused by a lack of organization and inefficient control in the distribution process. Furthermore, acts of corruption have been reported, such as the selling of slots to access gas, which exacerbates the situation.
What role does corruption play in the gas crisis in Cuba?
Corruption significantly exacerbates the gas crisis in Cuba. Reports have surfaced that some managers sell their turns to "coleros" to profit from the gas shortage, delaying access for families that genuinely need the product and perpetuating a culture of impunity in the distribution.
How do blackouts impact the demand for liquefied gas in Cuba?
Prolonged blackouts increase Cuban families' reliance on liquefied gas for cooking and carrying out basic tasks, intensifying demand in an already critical context of scarcity and inefficient distribution.
What alternatives do Cubans have in the face of the lack of gas and electricity?
Due to the lack of gas and electricity, Cubans are turning to wood or charcoal stoves for cooking. However, these alternatives are costly and highlight the severity of the energy crisis facing the country.
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