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Families in Villa Clara will need to adapt to a new system for accessing liquefied gas, a basic resource that continues to be a source of tension in Cuban households.
The Fuel Marketing Division of the province (CUPET) announced that the sale of cylinders will be organized according to a schedule and with restrictions for those who have already made three purchases in 2025.
Ángel Rivalta Ayo, director of the Gas plant, explained that the strategy aims to “provide greater equity in access to fuel.” He detailed that priority will be given to customers with fewer purchases throughout the year and to those who have not yet been able to buy a single cylinder.
“Each sale day will be assigned to customers according to the existing lists at each location, prioritizing those with fewer purchases in the current year,” assured Rivalta Ayo in statements to the .
A schedule to manage scarcity
The measure states that sales points open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will serve customers on the lists, while Saturdays will be reserved for those with "tickets" or outstanding purchases. Meanwhile, establishments operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays will follow the same logic.
In this way, Fridays and Saturdays become crucial days for those who were unable to shop on the assigned date, with the promise of preventing entire families from being left vulnerable amid the energy crisis.
One of the most controversial provisions is the prohibition on accessing the service for those who have already completed three purchases in the year, except for those deemed vulnerable. “These restrictions aim to ensure that the service is made available to those customers who have not yet purchased any cylinders this year,” clarified Rivalta Ayo.
Messengers are also prohibited from acquiring cylinders for customers who have reached the limit of three annual purchases, which restricts alternatives for many households that rely on third parties for supply.
"A fairer and more efficient supply"
The company assures that the reorganization will allow for "a fairer and more efficient supply for all residents of Villa Clara," although in practice, it means that families will have to adapt to a rigid system and a limited inventory at each point of sale.
In the most recent distribution announced, several establishments had only between 120 and 210 10 kg cylinders available, figures that highlight the narrow margin for meeting the demand of an entire province.
With this strategy, access to liquefied gas in Villa Clara is tied to lists, schedules, and strict limits that, while seeking “equity,” also reveal the depth of the crisis concerning a basic resource in the daily lives of Cubans.
Frequently asked questions about liquefied gas sales in Villa Clara
Why is the sale of liquefied gas limited in Villa Clara?
The sale of liquefied gas in Villa Clara is limited due to supply shortages, which has led to the implementation of a schedule and restrictions to ensure more equitable access. These measures prioritize customers with fewer purchases over the year and those who have not yet been able to buy a cylinder. The energy crisis in Cuba has caused this essential resource to be rationed in order to reach more homes.
What measures are being taken to distribute liquefied gas in Villa Clara?
The distribution of liquefied gas in Villa Clara is organized through a system of schedules and lists that assign turns to customers. The sales points operate with a limited number of cylinders available each day, prioritizing those who have not been able to purchase during their assigned turn. Fridays and Saturdays are key days for purchasing overdue cylinders. Additionally, it is prohibited for messengers to acquire cylinders for customers who have already reached the limit of annual purchases.
How does the shortage of liquefied gas affect the daily life of Cubans?
The shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba negatively impacts the daily lives of the population, as this resource is essential for cooking. Many families have to turn to alternatives like charcoal or firewood, which are less healthy and less safe. Additionally, the lack of gas adds to the widespread energy crisis, characterized by frequent blackouts, further worsening the precarious situation in Cuban households.
What is the current situation of liquefied gas supply in other provinces of Cuba?
The situation regarding liquefied gas supply is critical in several provinces of Cuba. In regions such as Santiago de Cuba and Sancti Spíritus, distribution has been suspended or repeatedly interrupted due to a lack of inventory and financial issues that hinder the unloading of gas vessels. This crisis highlights an extreme dependence on imports and the regime's inability to ensure a stable supply.
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