Users of liquefied gas queue at night to buy a "balita" in Santiago de Cuba

The energy crisis has particularly affected families that depend on LPG for cooking, exacerbating a situation that has been ongoing for months.

Line in Santiago de Cuba to buy gasPhoto © Facebook/Yosmany Mayeta Labrada

Related videos:

The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba continues to wreak havoc on the daily life of the population, with dozens of people lining up from early morning at various distribution points, as occurred on Princesa Street in Santiago de Cuba.

In a post on Facebook by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, several citizens can be seen waiting for the store to open since early evening.

The energy crisis has particularly affected families who rely on LPG for cooking, worsening a situation that has been ongoing for months.

The problem is largely due to financial difficulties that have hindered payments to international suppliers, as well as delays in the arrival of imports.

Despite the arrival in December 2024 of a ship carrying 9,377 tons of LPG at the "Hermanos Díaz" refinery, the amount proved insufficient to meet the high demand accumulated throughout the country.

The situation has worsened even further in January 2025, when more than 100,000 households in Matanzas were severely affected by the lack of gas.

The shortage of cylinders and poor distribution has led many families to turn to firewood as an alternative for cooking, which represents a setback in living conditions and poses risks to both health and the environment.

In light of this situation, the government has promised progressive solutions with the arrival of new tankers and a prioritized distribution for the eastern region.

However, the desperation of the population is evident in the long lines and the uncertainty that continues regarding the regularization of the supply.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Liquefied Gas Crisis in Cuba

Why is there a shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba?

The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba is due to financial problems that have hindered payments to international suppliers, causing delays in imports and an insufficient supply to meet the high demand accumulated throughout the country.

How does the lack of liquefied gas affect Cuban families?

The lack of liquefied gas severely affects Cuban families, forcing them to resort to alternative methods such as using firewood for cooking, which represents a setback in quality of life and poses risks to health and the environment.

What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the gas crisis?

The Cuban government has promised progressive solutions with the arrival of new tankers and a prioritized distribution for the eastern region, although the effectiveness of these measures has been questioned by the population.

What role does corruption play in the gas crisis in Cuba?

Corruption exacerbates the gas crisis in Cuba due to practices such as the sale of turns in queues and the diversion of cylinders to the black market, which delays access to gas for families in need and generates discontent in the community.

What alternatives do Cubans have in the face of the shortage of liquefied gas?

Many Cubans have turned to wood or charcoal stoves as alternatives due to the shortage of liquefied gas, although these practices are expensive and reflect the severity of the energy crisis the country is experiencing.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.