Amid a severe shortage of liquefied gas, the authorities in Isla de la Juventud have decided to ration the supply, restricting it, in the first phase, solely to bedridden individuals and patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment.
The statement from the UEB Territorial Division of Fuel Marketing (DTCC) on its official Facebook profile acknowledged this Monday that the available inventory in the region "is not sufficient to meet the total demand of the population," which necessitates the application of selection criteria, rather than ensuring a regular and sustainable essential service.
In Nueva Gerona, beneficiaries will be able to purchase gas this Tuesday, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., at their usual sales point.
In the neighborhoods of Patria, Demajagua, Atanagildo, and Victoria, the delivery will be made directly to the registered homes.
Meanwhile, in Chacón and La Fé, the sale is scheduled for Wednesday at the same time.
To access the product, citizens will need to present three documents: the patient’s identity card, a supply booklet, and a liquefied gas purchase card, a bureaucracy that, in times of crisis, could pose an additional obstacle for vulnerable families.
The distribution will be based on lists prepared by the Ministry of Public Health and the commercial staff, emphasized the note.
Meanwhile, the official publication does not provide a clear explanation of when the supply will stabilize or how the structural deficit that prevents ensuring a basic product for daily life will be resolved.
The liquefied gas crisis in Cuba has escalated to alarming levels, profoundly affecting the daily lives of the population. Testimonies like that of a young Cuban, shared on social media, detail the complex process of acquiring this essential resource.
From installing mobile applications like Transfermóvil and paying for appointments to repeatedly visiting points of sale to monitor the progress of queues, citizens face an exhausting digital and in-person bureaucracy.
This is compounded by frequent power outages, which force many families to turn to coal or firewood as the only alternatives for cooking.
In parallel, it was reported that a ship loaded with 1,300 tons of gas was anchored for nearly four months off the coast of Santiago de Cuba.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, explained that the vessel was unable to unload due to a lack of financing, and he justified this situation by citing the difficulties in executing international payments.
This situation left the island without access to the product for the first 117 days of the year, reflecting not only a logistical failure but also a deep financial collapse of the state energy import system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Liquefied Gas Crisis in Cuba
Why is there a shortage of liquefied gas in the Isle of Youth?
The shortage of liquefied gas on the Isle of Youth is due to a low availability of inventory, forcing authorities to prioritize supply for bedridden individuals and patients undergoing hemodialysis. This situation is part of a broader crisis in Cuba, where a lack of funds and logistical issues have impacted the imports of liquefied gas.
How does the shortage of liquefied gas affect the Cuban population?
The scarcity of liquefied gas in Cuba has forced many families to resort to alternative methods such as wood and coal for cooking, which represents a setback in living conditions. Additionally, the situation is worsened by frequent power outages, leaving Cubans with few options for preparing food and exacerbating daily hardships.
What measures are the authorities taking to address the liquefied gas crisis?
Cuban authorities have prioritized the distribution of liquefied gas to vulnerable sectors, such as hospitals and bedridden individuals. Additionally, they have announced that funds to pay for a gas shipment have been secured, which could temporarily alleviate the situation in some regions. However, these measures do not guarantee a long-term solution, as the crisis is linked to deeper financial and logistical issues.
What are the challenges of importing liquefied gas in Cuba?
The difficulties in importing liquefied gas in Cuba are primarily due to financial issues that have hindered payments to international suppliers, and economic sanctions that complicate transactions. These limitations have caused delays in the arrival of supplies and an irregular distribution of the product throughout the country.
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