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The CUPET authorities in Ciego de Ávila have decided to extend the purchase cycle for the so-called "balitas" of liquefied gas to two months.
They argue that it is a "temporary" measure they had to adopt due to the deficit of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) inventories and its intermittent supply since late 2024.
Danilo Tejera Sánchez, head of the liquefied gas team at the UEB Territorial Division of Fuel Marketing in the province, told the weekly publication Invasor that setting a minimum of 60 days to purchase the product benefits those who have gone longer without buying.
"It doesn't mean it's a definitive solution; however, it will remain in place for the coming months due to the limited availability of gas in the country and the low allocation of cylinders to the region," he emphasized.
"As the nation recovers and the number of 'balitas' increases, sales can be restored to the 26-day cycle as it was before," he noted.
More than 13,000 customers in Ciego de Ávila have been unable to acquire the small gas canisters needed to cook food. The province lacks filling plants, and the product, which is sent from Cienfuegos, Camagüey, and Villa Clara, is arriving in very limited quantities due to the country's low availability.
Tejera Sánchez recalled that another obstacle is the limited number of cylinders available, as they deteriorate over time and with handling. Therefore, it was decided to request that users return the empty cylinders to expedite the filling cycle. However, in practice, the return rate is very low.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Liquefied Gas Crisis in Cuba
Why has the sale of liquefied gas been restricted in Ciego de Ávila?
The sale of liquefied gas in Ciego de Ávila has been limited to one cylinder every two months due to a deficit in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) inventories and intermittent supply since the end of 2024. This measure aims to benefit those who have not purchased for a longer time, although it is not a definitive solution.
How does the shortage of liquefied gas affect Cuban households?
The scarcity of liquefied gas severely affects Cuban households, as this fuel is essential for cooking food. Many households are forced to resort to alternative methods such as wood or charcoal stoves, especially in a context of frequent blackouts that hinder the use of electric pots.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the liquefied gas crisis?
The Cuban government has tried to prioritize the distribution of liquefied gas to those consumers who were unable to access the product in previous cycles. Additionally, the delivery cycles have been reorganized to serve consumers more equitably, although these measures have not completely resolved the current crisis.
Why do long lines to buy gas persist in Cuba?
The long queues for purchasing gas in Cuba persist due to scarcity and poor organization in distribution. Additionally, acts of corruption such as the sale of appointments worsen the situation, delaying access to gas for families who truly need it.
What alternatives do Cubans have in light of the shortage of liquefied gas and electricity?
In the absence of liquefied gas and electricity, many Cubans have turned to wood or charcoal stoves as alternative cooking methods. These alternatives are costly and reflect the seriousness of the energy crisis the country is facing, in addition to being inconvenient and dangerous in urban settings.
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