A liquefied gas sales outlet in the El Llano neighborhood of Holguín has resumed operations after undergoing renovations, yet the decision to sell in dollars has sparked criticism due to high prices and limited access for many families.
The facility had been out of service for a while and suffered from neglect, as noted by a recent post on the Facebook page Holguín Memories. The initial report claimed that a gas cylinder was priced at 100 USD.
However, commenters corrected this, stating that the first purchase costs 94 USD, which includes a new cylinder without needing to return an empty one.
Subsequent refills, according to these comments, are priced at 50 USD. Purchases are made via the platform gasmercafull.com, allowing transactions from abroad.
Reactions to this development have been mixed. Many people questioned why a service meant for the public is offered at prices unaffordable for a significant portion of families. Some noted that with that kind of money, they could barely manage other essential expenses or would have to continue cooking with charcoal.
Other users saw the reopening as a viable option for those who can afford it, especially compared to the informal market, where cylinders reportedly cost as much as 150 USD, according to one commentator. There were also positive remarks about the renovated appearance of the establishment and inquiries about the purchasing process.
A recurring criticism focused on the Clásica and Tropical cards that the state previously sold in dollars, claiming they would allow gas purchases through a digital platform. According to one user, sales occurred only two or three times at a price of 24 USD per cylinder, then ceased without any explanation from the authorities. The same person questioned what happened to the money collected through those cards.
Other comments expressed skepticism towards this new sales method, highlighting the initial 94 USD cost as significantly higher than previous transactions.
"It's New Type Capitalism; that system can no longer be called socialist. Let them drop the charade already!" concluded a user, summarizing the sentiment of those who see this dollarized model as the government's definitive abandonment of the majority of the population.
The reopening of the El Llano outlet comes amid ongoing challenges in accessing liquefied gas in Cuba. In January, the state-run Cupet suspended state distribution in eastern provinces, including Holguín, due to supply shortages.
In July, Resolution 155/2026 set the price of a 10-kilogram cylinder at 350 Cuban pesos, but state distribution has been virtually nonexistent. Recently, it emerged that in the Isle of Youth, the price of cylinders jumped from 50 to 89 USD.
In August, a Cuban woman reported paying 99 USD for a cylinder weighing just eight kilograms, while in Santiago de Cuba, private offers went as high as 75,000 pesos with the container included.
The disparity between prices in foreign currencies and local incomes highlights the accessibility challenges. With a minimum monthly wage of 3,210 pesos and an informal exchange rate nearing 900 pesos per dollar, the 94 USD required for the initial purchase equals roughly 26 months of minimum salary.
Understanding the Gas Cylinder Pricing in Holguín
What is the cost of the initial gas cylinder purchase in Holguín?
The first purchase of a gas cylinder in Holguín costs 94 USD, including a new cylinder without the need for an empty one in return.
How much do refills cost after the initial purchase?
Subsequent refills are priced at 50 USD, according to user comments.
Why has the sale of gas in Holguín been criticized?
The sale has been criticized for setting prices in dollars, making it inaccessible for many families who cannot afford such expenses.
What challenges exist for accessing liquefied gas in Cuba?
Access to liquefied gas in Cuba is challenging due to state distribution suspensions and high prices in both formal and informal markets.