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The energy crisis in Cuba is deepening further with the announcement of the suspension of liquefied gas supply in several provinces of the island. The Territorial Fuel Divisions have issued statements informing about the complete lack of inventory and the halt of liquefied gas (LPG) marketing services.
In Las Tunas, one of the affected areas, local authorities confirmed the situation through a statement that indicates: "We do not have liquefied gas, we have no inventory, we are waiting for the importation of this product, therefore, there will be no commercialization service, at least for LPG, until further notice." This statement reflects the seriousness of an issue that directly affects millions of Cuban households.
Cienfuegos is also joining the critical situation. Local authorities have reported that, due to a breakdown at the Cienfuegos Refinery, the sale of LPG cannot be guaranteed starting Thursday, January 23. According to an official statement, the refinery is undergoing maintenance "with no forecast for restart," which further exacerbates the energy crisis in the region.
The Cienfuegos Refinery is a key facility for fuel processing on the island, and its shutdown directly affects the supply of liquefied gas, an essential resource for millions of Cuban families.
In light of this situation, the authorities have indicated that the sale of LPG in the city will be suspended "until further notice," leaving households without one of their main sources of cooking energy.
In Camagüey, the Gas Liquefaction Base Deposit Management in this province has reported that, due to the inability to guarantee supply, they will proceed to collect the prepaid purchase cards held by the population. Customers who submit their cards will receive a numbered receipt as proof of the submission and their position in line for future purchases. This procedure will take place during specific hours set by the authorities.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In Matanzas, José Luis Lemus Gil, Head of Liquefied Gas, reported that the restrictions on the distribution of liquefied gas are temporary, and that the delivery of LPG will be limited exclusively to certain sectors of the population.
According to the statement, the supply will be restricted for customers in municipalities whose contracts allow for the reception of only two cylinders per year, as well as for customers officially classified as homebound by the health system, based on the lists corresponding to the semester starting in January 2025.
The liquefied gas manager stated, "It is well known that we have experienced a product shortage in recent months, which has caused challenges in delivering to our population, even though our intention has always been to meet their respective needs."
However, these statements fail to ease the frustration of citizens, who are already facing widespread precariousness due to the scarcity of other essential products.
The distribution of LPG in Cuba has faced serious difficulties for several months, affecting millions of households that rely on this fuel for cooking.
The shortage has been primarily attributed to financial issues that have hindered payments to international suppliers, as well as delays in the importation of the product.
In December 2024, the arrival of a vessel with 9,377 tons of LPG at the "Hermanos Díaz" refinery in Santiago de Cuba allowed for a temporary resumption of distribution in some regions of the country.
However, the authorities admitted that this amount was insufficient to meet the accumulated high demand, leaving a significant portion of the population without access to fuel.
The situation worsened in January 2025, when more than 100,000 households in the province of Matanzas were affected by the shortage of LPG. The lack of cylinders and precarious distribution forced many families to resort to alternative methods such as firewood for cooking, which represents a setback in living conditions and poses risks to health and the environment.
In response to the persistent shortage, the Cuban government has arranged for the arrival of tankers to resume the distribution of LPG. Authorities have promised a gradual solution for those affected, starting with the partial unloading of the tankers in Santiago de Cuba and the distribution of LPG in the eastern part of the country. However, the limited distribution capacity in the face of high existing demand has generated discontent and frustration among the population, which is facing long lines and tensions in their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Energy Crisis and the Shortage of Liquefied Gas in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba?
The scarcity of liquefied gas in Cuba is due to financial and logistical problems affecting imports, exacerbated by the economic sanctions from the United States. This has resulted in limited distribution that does not meet the high demand.
How does the shortage of liquefied gas affect Cuban households?
The shortage of liquefied gas severely affects Cuban households, as it is essential for cooking food. Families have had to resort to alternative methods such as wood or charcoal stoves due to the lack of LPG and power outages that prevent the use of electric pots.
What measures has the Cuban government taken regarding the shortage of liquefied gas?
The Cuban government has arranged for the arrival of a gas tanker to resume the distribution of liquefied gas. Authorities promised a gradual solution for those affected, starting with a partial discharge of the ship in Santiago de Cuba and distributing the LPG in the eastern part of the country.
What do citizens think about the current situation of liquefied gas in Cuba?
Many citizens have expressed discontent and frustration over the daily difficulties they consider "unsustainable." Long lines and tensions have characterized the daily lives of the population, which also faces the challenges of a complicated economic context.
What alternatives have Cubans found in response to the lack of liquefied gas?
Due to the shortage of liquefied gas, many Cubans have turned to wood or charcoal stoves for cooking. The sale of charcoal stoves has resurfaced on social media as an alternative, although the prices of these products have significantly increased, reflecting the energy crisis the country is experiencing.
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