The Business Unit of the Territorial Division of Fuel Marketing (UEB DTCC) in Santiago de Cuba announced this Sunday, through its official channel on Telegram, the total suspension of liquefied gas (LPG) distribution in the province, "until such time as the product is available again."
"There will be no distribution of liquefied gas to sales points until GLP is available in the province again. We apologize for the inconvenience," reads the brief statement from the company CUPET, along with the promise to keep the public informed "in a timely manner."
The announcement, brief yet impactful, openly contradicts the statements made just three weeks ago by the province's own authorities and state-run media, which asserted that the supply of LPG was “guaranteed” for 100 percent of the customers in the region.
On May 26th, the regime's spokesperson and director of the provincial station CMKC Radio Revolución, José Yaser Centray Soler, published an official message on Facebook announcing that starting Tuesday, the 27th, "the sale of liquefied gas in the province of Santiago de Cuba will resume."
The information was also confirmed by the territorial director of CUPET, Lisset González Sardinas, during a meeting with officials from the Party and the People's Power.
"There is guaranteed coverage of liquefied petroleum gas for all customers in the province," the official stated, in a statement reported by provincial and national media.
A daily extraction plan of 14,000 cylinders was even outlined, of which 7,500 would be exclusively allocated to Santiago de Cuba, while the remainder would go to eastern provinces of the country that rely on the local filling plant.
During that same announcement, it was explained that the service would be rolled out gradually to all municipalities and that a distribution system had been designed with priority for high-rise buildings and vulnerable populations.
There was even talk of controlled sales based on "turns" and last purchase dates, supported by the digital platform Ticket and the reorganization of queues.
Now, with the announcement of the total suspension of service, all of that framework is effectively nullified, and the population is left in the dark—both literally and symbolically—without gas for cooking and with no certainty about when an essential product will be available again.
The news has sparked a wave of indignation among the people of Santiago, who have already been grappling with prolonged blackouts, food shortages, a lack of potable water, and soaring inflation.
"I haven't bought gas since last year, and I really thought we would all have access to it. I work shifts at the hospital, and when I'm not there, I'm working in the clinic, so I can't wake up early to stand in line for gas. I have to keep cooking with charcoal and electricity in the dark. This country is not capable of fulfilling even the promises it publishes in the media," said a frustrated doctor to CiberCuba.
"I went to the line a few times, although the television assured that everything 'was organized'; the scenes I witnessed contradicted the officials: chaos, violence, pushing. At 70 years old, I can't be caught up in that. I trusted the Ticket line because they said it was guaranteed, and it wasn't. Then these children... ask for trust in them," expressed a retiree to CiberCuba.
Another person, also interviewed by CiberCuba, stated: “I bought it through unofficial means; I had to pay some money to slip in because the workers at the gas station told me it wouldn’t be enough, that many business owners, such as cafés and paladares, were manipulating the situation to fill their tanks, and those with money and multiple containers did the same. This was a foreseen scarcity.”
This sudden suspension without a concrete technical explanation highlights the Cuban regime's lack of planning and the disconnect between its propaganda promises and the actual management of resources.
While the authorities repeat slogans like “It's Santiago and I feel proud!” to celebrate the 510th anniversary of the city next July, and give the city a “quick wipe with a cloth,” the population faces a daily reality of misery, improvisation, and shortages, where even the most basic things are not guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Liquefied Gas Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
Why was the distribution of liquefied gas suspended in Santiago de Cuba?
The distribution of liquefied gas in Santiago de Cuba has been suspended due to a lack of inventory. Despite previous promises that gas would be ensured, the company CUPET has announced that there is not enough supply to continue distribution. This situation reflects a deficiency in planning and resource management by the Cuban regime.
What have been the reactions of the population to the suspension of liquefied gas?
The population of Santiago de Cuba has reacted with indignation and frustration to the suspension of liquefied gas. Citizens are expressing discontent as they are forced to resort to alternative methods like charcoal for cooking, amid blackouts and other shortages. Unfulfilled promises and a lack of clear communication from the government have heightened despair and skepticism among the residents.
What are the underlying causes of the liquefied gas crisis in Cuba?
The liquefied gas crisis in Cuba is due to a combination of financial and logistical issues. The lack of funds has made it difficult to pay international suppliers, which hinders the unloading of ships loaded with gas. Additionally, the prolonged maintenance of processing plants and corruption in management have worsened the situation, leaving millions of households without access to this essential resource.
What measures has the Cuban government announced to address the shortage of liquefied gas?
The Cuban government has promised to restore the distribution of liquefied gas as soon as financial and logistical issues are resolved. The unloading of ships and the reactivation of the Cienfuegos Refinery have been mentioned, but no specific dates or long-term solutions have been established. Uncertainty continues to be a constant for the affected population.
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