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The authorities in Matanzas have intensified operations against what they term "fuel hoarding" in the province, detecting several cases in which citizens were transporting large quantities of gasoline without the proper documentation.
One of the cases occurred in the town of Corral Nuevo, where Erisbel García Martínez was caught with 145 liters of gasoline in his private vehicle, according to the official profile "Con todos la Victoria" on Facebook.
In another similar incident, Alexander del Toro Corona was transporting 235 liters without justifying its origin.
In the Versalles area, Juan Carlos Olivera González and Roelvis Rivera Romero were intercepted with 290 liters of fuel.
In an operational room, the police seized 200 liters from Ángel Luis Delgado de la Cruz, who also allegedly attempted to bribe the officers to avoid penalties.
Authorities have indicated that none of those involved had the appropriate legal documentation for the transport of the fuel, and therefore they will face the legal consequences of their actions.
The official source did not specify what those legal consequences are.
These operations are part of a larger effort to regulate the distribution and access to fuel amid the severe supply crisis that the country is facing.
In the comments section, some internet users questioned the operations.
"Right now, having two sacks of coal is hoarding, and that’s what you’ll have to cook with if Cuba is in prehistoric times. Why don’t they put all the corrupt military personnel they have had to dismiss to avoid imprisoning them in Matanzas?" questioned a commentator.
"It is fine to confront the fuel hoarders, but how did they get such large quantities of gasoline? It would be good to get to the root of the problem. If possible, it would also help to release more gasoline and oil into the service station network; this would reduce the opportunities for illegal activities," pointed out another.
Resellers and queue jumpers are being prosecuted at a service center in Havana
In a recent attempt to assert control and address popular discontent, Cuban authorities held a "neighborhood debate" in the Diez de Octubre municipality in Havana to discuss the fight against illegal activities and corruption in fuel sales, an issue that the government itself has fostered through its poor economic management.
According to a report from the newspaper Tribuna, officials from the Prosecutor's Office and the Police announced the recent arrest of a group of citizens who were hoarding and reselling gasoline or charging for spots in line -known as "coleros"- to access the service station Alameda, located at Santa Catalina and Poey.
The chief prosecutor of the municipality stated that those involved in the black market for fuel will be severely punished, as they committed their crimes at a time when the country is experiencing a severe energy crisis, which will be considered an aggravating factor during the trial.
However, his speech ignored the structural causes of the problem, stemming from poor government management, corruption within state-owned enterprises, and the lack of transparency in the distribution of resources.
The meeting also reported on a police operation in which a storage house was shut down, containing a significant amount of gasoline intended for resale.
On her part, the chief prosecutor of Havana, Lisnay María Mederos Torres, announced that new operations will take place in other service stations in the coming days, and that those responsible for the offenses could face charges of embezzlement and bribery.
He also announced that officials from CUPET, CIMEX, the Ministry of the Interior, and the Government will participate in the television programs "Buenos Días" and "Hacemos Cuba" to explain the organizational measures that will be taken to regulate fuel supply in the city.
The executives who presided over the community meeting urged the residents to report these crimes and provided them with the telephone numbers of the local police command center.
While the government tightens penalties against resellers, the impunity of high officials who control fuel and other essential products persists, facilitating corruption within the state apparatus itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fuel Seizures and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why were 850 liters of gasoline confiscated in Matanzas?
The seizure of 850 liters of gasoline in Matanzas was carried out because the individuals involved were transporting large quantities of fuel without the proper legal documentation, which is considered a crime in Cuba. These actions are part of the government's operations against hoarding and the black market for fuel.
What is the situation of the energy crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a serious energy crisis characterized by a shortage of fuel, which has led the government to intensify operations against the black market and hoarding. However, these measures do not address the structural causes of the problem, such as poor government management and internal corruption.
What legal consequences do those involved in the gasoline seizure in Matanzas face?
The authorities have not specified the exact legal consequences, but it is likely that those involved will face charges for unlawful economic activity due to the lack of legal documentation for transporting the fuel. The police have indicated that these offenses will be severely punished, especially in the context of the energy crisis the country is experiencing.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the operations against fuel hoarding?
Cuban citizens have expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with these operations, criticizing the lack of real solutions to the energy crisis and the perception of impunity among high-ranking government officials. Citizens are questioning why the root of the problem, such as corruption and poor state administration, is not being addressed.
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