The theft of dielectric oil from transformers has become the most common crime against the electrical system in Holguín, accounting for more than half of the 42 incidents recorded in the province by the end of July.
The figure was disclosed this Thursday by the official newspaper ¡Ahora!, based on data from the Electric Company of Holguín, which warned about the rapid increase in crimes against an infrastructure already affected by breakdowns, lack of maintenance, and prolonged blackouts.
On July 1st, 29 criminal incidents against the electrical system in the province were recorded, but on the 28th, the number had risen to 42. This increase represents 13 new cases in less than a month.
The theft of oil used in transformers is at the top of the list. The municipalities of Báguanos, Moa, Gibara, and Cueto are among the areas where these thefts have occurred most frequently in recent weeks.
Dielectric oil serves two essential functions: it cools transformers and insulates their electrical components. Its extraction can lead to overheating, short circuits, and irreparable damage to equipment that is difficult to replace within Cuba.
The consequences are not limited to material losses. A damaged transformer can leave homes, schools, health centers, water pumping systems, and productive activities without electricity for several days.
The situation is not new in Holguín. In 2025, the province was already facing a wave of thefts of conductors, transformers, batteries, and dielectric oil. In the substations of Moa and Zarzal, seven oil tanks were stolen, affecting more than 4,000 customers.
One of the most serious cases occurred in Guerrita, Mayarí, where more than 400 customers were left without electricity for 29 days after oil was stolen from a substation. The lack of spare parts forced the transportation of a 630 kVA transformer from Havana.
Despite the threats of long sentences and the surveillance measures announced by state-owned companies, thefts continue to rise. In Holguín, they are no longer an isolated incident; they are the leading crime against the electrical system.
At the same time, the regime has intensified its penal response, and authorities are treating incidents of this kind as sabotage, in addition to robbery with force, due to their impact on infrastructure deemed strategic.
In Ciego de Ávila, those accused of stealing more than 2,000 liters of dielectric oil faced requests for up to 12 years in prison for sabotage.
That province recorded 41 incidents in 2025, with 84 transformers affected and over 14,440 liters stolen.
In Matanzas, authorities confirmed an increase in these crimes during the first quarter of 2026.
A single theft in Jagüey Grande left 4,429 homes, a hospital, a polyclinic, and a hygiene center without service.
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