The Cuban regime aired a report on state television this Thursday, boasting about a supposed "technological intervention" carried out at the Cienfuegos refinery, aimed at stabilizing the production of special gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
The report aims to showcase operational efficiency in a country plunged into a severe energy crisis, where power outages and fuel shortages affect millions of citizens daily.
Operations resumed after a month of "innovations."
During the last month, the catalytic reforming plant, crucial for gasoline production, underwent a process of maintenance and technical innovation.
Engineers and technicians from the Cienfuegos Refinery S.A. claimed to have replaced or repaired pumps, hydrogen compressors, and pumping systems in order to stabilize operations.
The authorities assure that, thanks to these actions, it is now possible to guarantee the delivery of LPG to hospitals and vital centers across the country, as well as to reactivate its distribution to the population in the central region, especially in provinces such as Ciego de Ávila.
Liquefied gas: persistent shortage and limited distribution
The regime tries to present this reactivation as a progress, but the daily reality of Cubans contrasts sharply with the official narrative. The shortage of liquefied gas for cooking remains critical, forcing thousands of families to resort to alternative and unsafe methods such as firewood or charcoal, while LPG cylinders are distributed in small quantities.
The report acknowledges that, at present, only a "small production" is being allocated to the retail market, which will hardly meet the national demand.
Additionally, the arrival of a ship carrying imported LPG is acknowledged, but it cannot begin unloading due to delays in international payments, highlighting the financial struggles of the State to sustain the import of essential fuels.
Blackouts, foreign debt, and empty promises
This attempt by the regime to gloss over the energy situation with a technical narrative contrasts sharply with the ongoing collapse of the Cuban electrical system.
Blackouts continue to affect both urban and rural areas, while power generation plants operate below their capacity or remain out of service due to lack of maintenance and spare parts.
Despite CUPET claiming to have "backing of crude" for the upcoming week, no guarantees are provided for the medium or long term. Additionally, national LPG production relies not only on the Cienfuegos refinery but also on plants like Energas in Puerto Escondido, whose operations have been irregular.
A propaganda narrative amidst the crisis
The triumphant approach of the report from Cienfuegos diverges from the critical situation faced by the Cuban population. The "modernization" of the refinery, while necessary, does not conceal the structural flaws of the economic model nor the accumulated deterioration of the country's energy infrastructure.
While the regime celebrates what should have been routine preventive maintenance as a technical achievement, most Cubans still lack stable access to electricity and safe means to cook. The energy crisis, far from being resolved, remains one of the most tangible expressions of the system's failure.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis and Liquefied Gas in Cuba
What is "technological intervention" in the Cienfuegos refinery?
The "technological intervention" at the Cienfuegos refinery refers to a maintenance and technical innovation process that, according to the Cuban regime, was carried out to stabilize the production of special gasoline and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, this action has been criticized as a facade for the serious energy crisis that the country is facing.
Why is there a shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba?
The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba is due to financial issues affecting imports and international economic sanctions, which have complicated payments to suppliers. Furthermore, domestic production is insufficient to meet high demand, forcing many families to seek unsafe alternatives for cooking.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuban households?
The energy crisis severely impacts Cuban households, leaving them without stable access to electricity and gas for cooking. Many families are forced to resort to methods such as firewood or charcoal, which represents a regression in living conditions and poses risks to health and the environment.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the liquefied gas crisis?
The Cuban government has facilitated the arrival of tanker ships to resume the distribution of liquefied gas, prioritizing consumers who did not access the product in the previous cycle. However, these measures have been insufficient and temporary, with an estimated coverage of only 17 to 20 days.
What do citizens think about the energy situation in Cuba?
Citizens express discontent and frustration due to the lack of effective solutions from the Cuban government for the energy crisis. Long lines to obtain liquefied gas and constant blackouts exacerbate living conditions, increasing pressure on the population in an already difficult economic context.
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