Since the beginning of 2026, two incidents involving the theft of dielectric oil from transformers in the areas of Vila and Montoto have resulted in the loss of more than 1,000 liters. This has left nearly 200 residents without electricity in the municipality of Primero de Enero, located in the Ciego de Ávila province.
The initial theft took place in Vila, where approximately 200 liters were siphoned from a transformer, impacting nearby homes and a local poultry business unit.
The second, more recent incident in Montoto has increased the total stolen to over 1,000 liters, according to reports from the official newspaper Invasor.
Miguel Ángel Chamorro Pereira, head of operations for the Basic Electric Organization (OBE) in the municipality, detailed that the Montoto theft resulted in power disruptions for almost 200 customers. He acknowledged that the shortage of transformers in Cuba complicates quick replacements after each loss.
Both areas, central to the municipality's production units, endured complete blackouts due to the lack of oil, which is crucial for preventing transformer overheating.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response, Primero de Enero's Electric Company has intensified security at the 33 kV substation in Montoto, now guarded by four permanent custodians.
Daimy Zamora Arteaga, the first secretary of the Communist Party in the municipality, called for increased vigilance in neighborhoods housing these critical transformers to ensure a stable power supply.
Authorities are also targeting those who purchase stolen dielectric oil, which is sold illegally as a substitute fuel for tractors and agricultural machinery at prices ranging from 600 to over 1,000 Cuban pesos per liter.
Historical and National Context
This issue is not new to the province. In 2025, Ciego de Ávila reported 41 similar thefts affecting 84 transformers, with over 14,440 liters stolen. Provincial courts have issued prison sentences of up to 12 years for electrical "sabotage."
Nationally, the problem has struck significant locations. On June 25th, thieves stole oil from a transformer at the National Shrine of the Virgin of Charity of El Cobre in Santiago de Cuba, cutting off power to the temple and its lodging facilities.
On May 9th, a man was electrocuted while attempting to steal dielectric oil in El Cobre itself.
Widespread Electrical Crisis
The electrical context fueling this wave of thefts is dire. As of this Saturday, Cuba faces a shortfall of 2,165 MW during peak evening hours, with only 1,015 MW available against a demand of 3,150 MW, as reported by the General Director of Electricity at the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
Supreme Court Dictum 475/2025 classifies these actions as sabotage, punishable by sentences ranging from seven to 30 years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in the most severe cases.
Authorities warn that dielectric oil poses significant health risks "even to the perpetrators" and emphasize the importance of both public awareness of these dangers and the need to examine the root causes driving people to commit such crimes.
Understanding the Impact of Transformer Oil Theft
What are the consequences of transformer oil theft in Primero de Enero?
The thefts have left almost 200 customers without electricity and have caused complete blackouts due to the shortage of oil needed to prevent transformer overheating.
How are authorities responding to transformer oil thefts?
Authorities have increased security measures at vital substations and are focusing on combating the illegal market for stolen dielectric oil.