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A theft of hundreds of liters of diesel was detected at the bus terminal in San Agustín, in the La Lisa municipality of Havana, at a critical moment for the country, marked by severe fuel shortages impacting both distributed electricity generation and public transportation.
According to Cubadebate, the incident occurred on the night of September 30, when unauthorized vehicles were fueled at the Fuel Supply Point (PAC), owned by the CIMEX corporation, located at the San Agustín urban bus stop.
According to the Provincial Transport Company of Havana, as reported to the aforementioned state media, the on-duty "pistero" unloaded several fuel cards belonging to the entity without authorization, thereby facilitating the diversion of fuel intended for urban transport buses and communal waste collection trucks.
Double blow to essential services
The theft occurs in a context of extreme bus and "gazella" shortages in the capital, due to the low levels of available fuel. The diversion represents a double blow to two essential services for the Havana population: urban mobility and garbage collection, both already severely affected by the energy crisis.
Ongoing investigation
The incident, according to the media, was uncovered thanks to joint control measures between the MININT and the capital authorities. Once the irregularity was detected, the relevant authorities were immediately notified, and an investigative process was initiated to quantify the extent of the theft and apprehend those involved.
In a statement, the Havana Transportation Directorate asserted that "there will be no impunity and strong action will be taken in response to behaviors of this nature," describing the incident as a serious crime given the current conditions in the country.
A vital resource in times of crisis
Fuel theft occurs amidst one of the worst energy crises in recent years, with prolonged blackouts, partial disruption of public transport, and severe limitations in strategic sectors.
History repeats itself
In November 2023, workers from -specifically- the San Agustín Terminal and the Fuel Supply Point (PAC) of the CIMEX Corporation were caught red-handed while stealing fuel at the facilities of the aforementioned terminal in Havana.
The theft was detected during a night inspection by the Management Council of the Provincial Transportation Company of Havana at facilities that provide public passenger transport services and workshops.
At that time, the information provided did not specify the number of those involved, the amount of fuel seized, nor did it detail the identities of the individuals responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fuel Theft in Havana
What happened with the fuel at the San Agustín terminal?
A theft of hundreds of liters of diesel was detected at the bus terminal in San Agustín, Havana. The fuel, intended for essential services such as public transportation, was illegally diverted by an employee using the entity's fuel cards.
What is the impact of fuel theft in Havana?
This robbery exacerbates the fuel shortages at a critical moment for Havana, affecting urban mobility and garbage collection, services already hit hard by the energy crisis. The scarcity of fuel has led to prolonged blackouts and partial interruptions in public transportation.
How are the authorities acting in response to the fuel theft?
The authorities have begun an investigation to determine the extent of the theft and apprehend those responsible. The Transportation Directorate of Havana assured that there will be no impunity and that firm actions will be taken against those who commit such crimes.
Have similar incidents occurred in the past in Cuba?
Yes, fuel theft is not a new phenomenon in Cuba. In November 2023, workers from the same terminal were caught stealing fuel. Furthermore, incidents of theft and diversion of essential resources, such as liquefied gas and powdered milk, are recurrent in the country, exacerbated by the economic crisis and lack of oversight.
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