A shift supervisor and a security guard from the Matanzas Fuel Marketing Company were caught red-handed stealing 25 liters of gasoline, according to a source linked to the Ministry of the Interior (Minint).
The Facebook page "With Everyone for Victory" reported that during an early morning shift, two employees at the Matanzas Fuel Marketing Company, Terminal 320, were discovered after extracting gasoline from one of CUPET's tanks and storing it in plastic bags.
The individuals involved were identified as Marcial Rudelay Cancino Ochoterena and Ernesto Mesa Méndez.
The post condemned the incident as "completely disgraceful," emphasizing that their duty was to protect resources intended for the economy and the well-being of the population. It further stated that these workers will face justice for their actions.
The news has sparked diverse reactions among followers of the page. Many criticized the workers' actions, attributing it to a lack of principles and the increasing erosion of moral values in Cuban society, while supporting severe penalties for those who steal state property.
Conversely, numerous individuals defended the act, citing the ongoing fuel crisis in the country as a direct cause and arguing that if the state paid its employees salaries that met their basic needs, such incidents wouldn't occur.
Others questioned why the crackdown is solely on workers committing crimes while the police do not exhibit the same rigor against corruption and theft by state enterprise leaders and high-level authorities.
"Those paid to protect are the same ones stealing, much like many state officials and leaders of all levels, who are paid by the people's sweat for their salary, fuel, and car to solve or attempt to solve society's problems, yet do nothing," reasoned one user.
Recently, the Cuba-Petroleum Union (CUPET) acknowledged on state television that fuel thefts originate within the storage facilities, from where the product is distributed to the tanker trucks that supply gas stations.
Yarianna Guerra, director of the CUPET Fuel Marketing Company, disclosed on the TV program "We Make Cuba" that in a single day, losses from this type of theft can range from 20,000 to 30,000 liters of fuel, depending on the volume handled and the tanks' storage capacity.
She admitted that these operations involve officials and workers from state entities, such as tanker truck operators, brigade chiefs, security guards, and some directors. The company has implemented disciplinary actions against those responsible, including permanent dismissals and terminations in various territories.
According to Minint, between January and August 2025, 350,000 liters of stolen fuel were recovered from storage bases, refineries, power generators, and service stations across the country.
The Prosecutor's Office warned that fuel theft could be classified as sabotage, carrying sentences of up to 30 years in prison.
Through its official communication channels, the Cuban government seeks to demonstrate a tough stance against theft and other offenses.
However, the population criticizes the authorities for not addressing the underlying causes of rising criminal activity: widespread scarcity, the inability to ensure a stable supply of basic goods, low wages and pensions, and rampant inflation.
Many Cubans demand harsh penalties for criminals but also question the police's inefficiency in curbing theft and violent acts affecting the people.
Fuel Theft and Its Impact in Cuba
What roles were the individuals involved in the fuel theft holding?
The individuals involved in the fuel theft were a shift supervisor and a security guard at the Matanzas Fuel Marketing Company.
How has the public reacted to the fuel theft incident?
The public reaction has been mixed, with some condemning the theft as a lack of moral values, while others justify it as a result of the ongoing fuel crisis and inadequate salaries.
What actions has CUPET taken against fuel theft?
CUPET has implemented disciplinary measures, such as permanent dismissals and terminations, against those responsible for fuel theft.
What potential penalties does the Prosecutor's Office consider for fuel theft?
The Prosecutor's Office considers fuel theft as a potential act of sabotage, which could result in sentences of up to 30 years in prison.