The leadership at CUPET in Ciego de Ávila has opted to extend the purchasing cycle for the so-called "balitas" of liquefied gas to two months. This step, they claim, is a "temporary" measure necessitated by the shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) inventories and the sporadic supply that has persisted since the end of 2024.
Danilo Tejera Sánchez, who heads the liquefied gas team at the UEB Territorial Division of Fuel Marketing in the province, explained to the Invasor weekly that establishing a minimum of 60 days for purchasing the product benefits individuals who have not been able to buy in a long time. "It is not a definitive solution; however, it will remain in place for the coming months due to the limited gas availability in the country and the reduced allocation of cylinders to the area," he emphasized.
"As the nation's situation improves and the number of gas canisters increases, we can revert to the previous 26-day cycle for sales," he added.
More than 13,000 customers in Ciego de Ávila have been unable to obtain the gas canister required for cooking their meals. The province lacks filling plants, and the product, which is supplied from Cienfuegos, Camagüey, and Villa Clara, arrives in severely limited quantities due to the country's low supply levels.
Tejera Sánchez also highlighted that another obstacle is the dwindling number of cylinders available, as they deteriorate over time and with handling. Consequently, users have been asked to return empty ones to expedite the filling process. However, in practice, the rate of return is very low.
Challenges and Solutions for Gas Supply in Ciego de Ávila
What is the current gas purchasing cycle in Ciego de Ávila?
Residents in Ciego de Ávila are currently limited to purchasing one gas canister every two months due to supply shortages.
Why has the gas supply been limited in Ciego de Ávila?
The supply has been limited due to a deficit in liquefied petroleum gas inventories and irregular supply since late 2024.
What factors contribute to the scarcity of gas cylinders?
The scarcity is exacerbated by the deterioration and reduced availability of cylinders, as well as the low return rate of empty ones by users.
How is the gas supply being distributed to Ciego de Ávila?
Gas is supplied from Cienfuegos, Camagüey, and Villa Clara, but is arriving in very limited quantities due to the country's overall low supply.