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For almost 50 days, the residents of Sancti Spíritus have been without access to liquefied gas, an essential fuel for cooking in a context also marked by constant power outages.
The situation affects hundreds of families who depend on this basic service to meet their minimum needs.
In statements to the press, José Alberto Martínez, director of the Liquefied Gas Commercial House in that province, publicly admitted that there is no available inventory throughout the country, and what is currently produced at the Cienfuegos refinery is exclusively intended for the Health and Education sectors, reported the government-run newspaper Escambray.
“Today we continue to have no availability of liquefied gas inventory in the country,” acknowledged the official.
“No tenemos pronóstico; en cuanto entre el gas al país y nos liberen, estaremos vendiendo en la provincia”, emphasized Martínez, leaving little hope for a near solution to a problem that has forced many families in Sancti Spíritus to resort to alternative cooking methods, such as firewood or charcoal, in the 21st century.
When asked about the estimated date for the restoration of supply, the official was blunt: “We don’t know.”
Despite the rumors circulating on the street about a possible absence of gas until 2026, the executive denied such a scenario, although he did not provide any guarantees on when the situation will be resolved.
"We don't think it will take a year or six months without selling gas," he stated.
The official also denied reports claiming that liquefied gas could only be sold in dollars when it becomes available again. “That's false,” he responded to a direct inquiry from the local press.
Despite the lack of concrete information and a clear distribution schedule, authorities have not offered viable alternatives for affected families, who face the dilemma of cooking without stable electricity or gas, amid a deepening national energy crisis.
This scenario of extreme scarcity has led to an increase in corruption linked to the marketing of liquefied gas.
Recently, the Cuban regime unveiled a corruption scheme in the Liquefied Gas Company of Havana, involving executives from Unión Cuba Petróleo (CUPET).
According to a pro-government report, an investigation has revealed that the operations were led by Niuvis Suárez Mola and Iván Agustín Lora Alfredo, a worker and director, respectively, of the Liquefied Gas Company of Havana.
Frequently asked questions about the shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba
What is the main reason for the shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba?
The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba is primarily due to financial issues that have affected payments to international suppliers, resulting in partial shipments of the fuel. This situation has created a supply crisis that directly impacts the daily life of the population.
How does the lack of liquefied gas affect Cuban families?
The lack of liquefied gas severely impacts families' ability to cook, as many rely exclusively on this resource. In light of the shortage, they have had to turn to alternatives such as firewood or charcoal, which represents a setback in living conditions and poses risks to health and the environment.
What has the Cuban government done to address the liquefied gas crisis?
The Cuban government has managed the arrival of tanker ships to try to resume the distribution of liquefied gas, starting with partial unloadings in Santiago de Cuba. However, the limited distribution capacity and high demand have hindered an effective and swift solution to the problem.
What alternatives have Cubans adopted in response to the lack of liquefied gas?
Many Cubans have turned to cooking with firewood or charcoal as alternatives due to the shortage of liquefied gas. This situation has emerged in a context of fuel scarcity, reminiscent of practices from the past and creating new challenges for families.
What do citizens think about the government's handling of the gas crisis?
Citizens express discontent and frustration with the government's handling of the liquefied gas shortage. The long lines and lack of concrete information have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust, exacerbating public discontent and the perception of ineffective management of the issue.
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