A video shared by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reveals a man seemingly trying to steal small liquefied gas cylinders—known locally as "balitas"—from a moving truck on the Santiago de Cuba highway. Alternatively, he might have been attempting to hitch a ride on the moving vehicle.
The footage, which has gone viral on Facebook with the headline "WILD ATTEMPT: TRYING TO STEAL GAS CYLINDERS FROM A MOVING TRUCK ON SANTIAGO DE CUBA HIGHWAY," highlights the desperation wrought by the ongoing liquefied gas crisis, particularly severe in Cuba's eastern region.
Reactions captured in the video's audio showcase witnesses' disbelief at the dangerous spectacle unfolding before them.
Commentary on the video is divided; some argue it wasn't theft but rather a desperate measure to catch a ride amid the nation's crippling fuel shortage. "The man was just trying to hitchhike," one viewer suggested.
This act poses extreme danger, not only to the man dangling from the truck but also to others on the highway, a high-speed road where such risky maneuvers could easily end in disaster.
Historical Context of Gas Shortages
Mayeta Labrada has long documented the gas crisis in Santiago de Cuba. As early as September 2024, he reported on arrests of suspected gas cylinder thieves in the area. By December 2025, he had highlighted corruption and irregularities at liquefied gas distribution points in the José Martí district.
This incident is far from isolated. In 2025, a clandestine network in Sancti Spíritus was dismantled after operating from January to May, involved in stealing and illegally selling gas cylinders.
In Artemisa, a government official fabricated the theft of 40 cylinders to misappropriate fuel. Similar illicit operations were uncovered in Havana and Cienfuegos, where gangs engaged in liquefied gas trafficking.
Underlying Causes and Risks
These underground networks dangerously overfill the cylinders—up to 80 pounds versus the allowed 60—selling them on the black market and significantly increasing the risk of home explosions.
The gas shortage in Cuba stems from disrupted supplies from Venezuela, Jamaica, and Curazao, coupled with debts incurred by the state-run company CUPET. These issues are fundamentally linked to the economic model enforced by over 60 years of communist dictatorship.
For many Cubans, the sheer necessity of securing basic cooking gas has driven them to take perilous risks, with some seeing a life-threatening ride on a highway as a viable option.
Understanding the Cuban Gas Crisis
What prompted the gas shortage in Cuba?
The gas shortage is primarily due to supply disruptions from countries like Venezuela, Jamaica, and Curazao, along with financial difficulties faced by CUPET, the Cuban state company.
Why are people risking their lives for gas cylinders?
The dire need for cooking gas, coupled with the scarcity due to the economic crisis, compels some individuals to take extreme risks to secure this essential resource.
Are there dangers associated with the black market gas cylinders?
Yes, these cylinders are often overfilled, which poses a significant explosion risk in homes, making them dangerous to use.