Cuban government implements changes to the liquefied gas service: here's what you need to know

The Cuban government announced this Tuesday new adjustments to the regulations for the service of liquefied gas (LPG) to the population, amid the crisis affecting families, although it justifies it as part of a plan for "more efficient use of energy and fuels".

These modifications were formalized through Resolution No. 18/2025, according to the publication on X by the Cuban Oil Union (CUPET).

As is known, the distribution of LPG on the island has faced serious difficulties in recent months, affecting millions of households that depend on this fuel for cooking.

The instability in supply has led to constant delays and limitations in sales, forcing authorities to seek alternatives to ensure availability.

While the government presents these measures as part of a strategy to optimize energy consumption, the supply crisis is largely due to Cuba's dependence on gas imports, which have faced interruptions due to financial issues and logistical challenges.

This is what you need to know:

PRIMERO

In the event that the contract holder is temporarily outside the country and there are members of the family residing in the home, the service will continue for a period of up to two years. After this period, the contract will be executed with the person chosen among the cohabitants; prior to this, an official document from the Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners declaring the holder as a resident abroad must be submitted to the Commercial House or CUPET Processing Office.

In the event that there are multiple cohabitants and no consensus has been reached, the ownership of the contract will be granted to the person who holds the title to the property. If this coincides with the legal owner, the order will be as follows: spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, nephew, cousin, father-in-law, and brother-in-law; who must fulfill the requirement specified in the previous section.

If you reside permanently outside the country and there are other members of the family unit living in the household, a provisional contract will be made for a term of up to two years with the person designated as the head of the household.

A provisional contract will be made for a term of up to two years with the person who, without being a member of the family unit, resides in the home; this individual will receive the service exceptionally without having to provide the Supply Booklet.

Upon completing the two years, the provisional contract will be extended for one more year; at the end of this period, if the holder makes an express declaration at the Cuban consulate or office requesting to maintain the contract's ownership, it will be held in deposit by CUPET until they enter the country. If they decide to transfer the right, the provisional contract will be established as definitive.

SEGUNDO

If the contract holder is incarcerated due to a criminal penalty or under preventive detention and resides alone, the contract will become inactive but may be reactivated when the measure is modified to a non-custodial one.

To maintain the service, a provisional contract will be drawn up in the name of the person who remains in charge of the family unit with which the holder resides, until the conditions that led to this decision change.

The same treatment will exceptionally be given to the person who, without being part of the family unit, is taking care of the household; they will receive the service without having to provide the Supply Book.

This exception must be reflected on the Control Card at the Point of Sale.

TERCERO

The service contract for the released sale can be transferred to any municipality in the country, regardless of whether this modality exists or not.

The holder will be provided with the delivery twice a year if it is applied in the municipality.

CUARTO

The holder who has two 10-kilogram cylinders in their contract may transfer their rights according to familial relationships up to the fourth degree of consanguinity: parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and the second degree of affinity: spouse, in-laws, stepchildren, spouse's grandparents, and siblings-in-law.

This act will result in the execution of a new contract in favor of the person to whom the right has been assigned.

QUINTO

The holder of the liquefied gas service contract who sells their home and does not transfer the contract to the new residence or assign rights to the buyer, CUPET will proceed to create a provisional contract for a term of up to two years with the new owner of the property until the holder exercises their rights.

If the contract holder exercises their right, the provisional contract of up to two years will be terminated; otherwise, the contract will become permanent for the new owner of the property.

CUPET will proceed to collect the cylinder and terminate the contract held by individuals who do not meet the aforementioned conditions.

Despite the regulatory adjustments, uncertainty regarding stable access to liquefied gas remains a concern for the population.

Frequently Asked Questions about Changes in Liquefied Gas Service in Cuba