A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker docked at the port of Matanzas on Monday morning, as reported by the Matanzas branch of the CUPET Commercialization Company. This arrival is expected to resume the distribution and sales of gas to the public, a highly anticipated development amidst the severe and ongoing shortage of this crucial resource.
According to statements made to the state-run media outlet Girón, Jorge Luis Lemus Gil, head of the Territorial Directorate of Fuel Commercialization in Matanzas, confirmed that the unloading of LPG has commenced. Initially, priority will be given to those who missed out on supplies between January and September 2024. Subsequently, consumers who acquired the product from October onward will be served. Lemus Gil emphasized that the amount of gas delivered will cater to a larger number of customers, maintaining the distribution of 200 cylinders per sales point, rotating through the municipalities of the province.
However, the online sales platform will not be reactivated at this time, although specialists from the Matanzas Fuel Commercialization are working to restore this highly demanded service. The company urged Matanzas residents to maintain order during the sale of cylinders at various points, with support from CUPET groups and community factors.
This situation is part of a broader energy crisis that has plagued the Cuban population in recent months. The tanker that arrived in Matanzas, known as the Pastorita, was built in 1994 and currently sails under the Cuban flag. Since October 2024, the shortage of liquefied gas has impacted over 100,000 households in provinces like Matanzas, where demand far exceeds the current distribution capacity.
Authorities have tried to prioritize deliveries to those who have gone the longest without supply, but this approach barely alleviates the frustration of a population reliant on gas for basic tasks. In the absence of LPG, many Cubans have resorted to traditional methods for cooking, such as using wood and charcoal. This practice not only marks a step back in terms of living standards but also poses health and environmental risks.
In October 2024, in the province of Granma, authorities distributed firewood to residents due to the shortage of charcoal and gas, highlighting the depth of the energy crisis facing the country. The situation has worsened with frequent power outages and a lack of fuel, leading to long lines and heightened tensions in daily life. In Santiago de Cuba, for instance, it is common to see dozens of people queuing from the early hours at various distribution points to obtain a "balita" of gas.
The arrival of this LPG tanker offers temporary relief, but the energy crisis in Cuba remains a significant challenge. The country's reliance on imported fossil fuels, aging infrastructure, and lack of investment in renewable energy contribute to the persistent instability in its energy supply.
Understanding the Impact of Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why is there a shortage of liquefied gas in Cuba?
The shortage stems from a combination of factors, including a reliance on imported fuels, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient investment in renewable energy sources.
How are Cuban households coping with the LPG shortage?
Many households have turned to traditional cooking methods, using wood and charcoal, which poses additional health and environmental risks.
What measures are authorities taking to address the energy crisis?
Authorities are attempting to prioritize gas distribution to those who have been without it the longest and are exploring ways to improve supply through various means.