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Residents of Santiago de Cuba and Granma will now be able to reserve their turn to purchase liquefied gas through the Transfermóvil application. This new service, introduced as a technological advancement, arrives amid a structural crisis that has left thousands of Cubans without gas for cooking for months.
This new digital service, announced by TV Santiago and developed by ETECSA, allows users to generate a purchase request, obtain a number in the queue, and receive SMS reminders both 24 hours in advance and on the same day of the appointment, including the exact location they need to go to.
Additionally, users will be able to:
- Select or modify the date of your appointment based on availability.
- Manage shifts for two additional people, a useful option to assist neighbors or family members without access to the app.
- Maintain the appointments previously requested through Ticket, which will remain valid until they are exhausted.
To access this functionality, it is essential to have the latest version of Transfermóvil (1.250610), available on Apklis and the official Telegram channel of the app.
The news of the new digital service comes just days after the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted in the official podcast “Desde la Presidencia” that a liquefied gas ship was anchored off the coast of Santiago de Cuba for nearly four months. The reason? The regime had no means to pay.
According to the minister, of the 150 days that have passed this year, there was no gas on the island for 117 of them. "We couldn't unload it. We do not have financing," he said. Although the government managed to gather the funds, international sanctions and restrictions prevented the completion of the banking operation.
Since late 2024, Cubans have faced a severe shortage of liquefied gas, essential for cooking in most urban households. This situation has forced many to revert to using firewood or charcoal, practices that were thought to be a thing of the past. Images of people waiting in line at dawn or setting up makeshift stoves in yards and balconies reflect a disturbing regression in living conditions.
The new Transfermóvil function aims to digitalize queues, but it does not address the central issue: the chronic lack of supply. Moreover, it does so at a time when the digital divide is widening due to measures imposed by ETECSA itself, the state telecommunications monopoly.
On May 30, ETECSA announced a new set of measures that limit top-ups in Cuban pesos (CUP) and favor the purchase of plans in US dollars (USD), through international cards or the MiTransfer Wallet. Meanwhile, packages in national currency have reached absurd prices: a 15 GB plan costs nearly 12,000 CUP, which is more than the monthly minimum wage in Cuba.
This means that more and more Cubans will be excluded from access to essential digital services, such as Transfermóvil itself, because they do not have a compatible phone, cannot afford data, or do not have foreign currency.
Frequently Asked Questions about Booking Appointments for Liquefied Gas in Cuba
How can Cubans book an appointment to buy liquefied gas?
Residents of Santiago de Cuba and Granma can schedule their turn to purchase liquefied gas through the Transfermóvil application. This application allows users to generate a purchase request, obtain a queue number, and receive reminders via SMS. It is necessary to have the latest version of the application to access this functionality.
What is the current state of liquefied gas supply in Cuba?
The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba is critical, with irregular supply in many regions. According to the Minister of Energy and Mines, so far this year, there have been 117 days without gas on the island due to financial issues and international restrictions that have prevented the unloading of gas ships. This situation has forced many Cubans to turn to alternative methods such as firewood for cooking.
What challenges do Cubans face in accessing digital services like Transfermóvil?
Access to digital services in Cuba is limited by the digital divide and ETECSA's policies. The state-owned company has imposed restrictions on top-ups in Cuban pesos, favoring purchases in dollars, which excludes many Cubans from accessing applications like Transfermóvil. Furthermore, the high cost of mobile data and the lack of compatible phones make it even more difficult to access these services.
What social impact does the shortage of liquefied gas have on the daily lives of Cubans?
The scarcity of liquefied gas has led to a regression in the living conditions of Cubans. Many families have been forced to cook with firewood or charcoal, practices that were considered outdated. This not only symbolizes a decline in quality of life, but also negatively impacts health and the environment. The crisis has resulted in long lines and widespread discontent, exacerbating everyday difficulties on the island.
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