After more than three months without stable distribution of liquefied gas, the price of LPG cylinders or pellets on the Cuban black market has skyrocketed.
Since late December 2024, hundreds of thousands of Cubans have been unable to purchase liquefied gas for cooking.
The difficulties began quietly, but in March it was officially confirmed that distribution was halted due to a lack of product.
The Liquefied Gas Company, belonging to CUPET, issued a note on March 3 recognizing that there would be no sale until a new import was completed.
Since then, no specific date has been reported for the restoration of service.
CUPET denies arrival of ships
On Friday, May 3, CUPET clarified No ships carrying liquefied gas have arrived at Cuban ports in recent weeks. The statement, issued by the Base Business Unit in Camagüey, sought to deny rumors circulating on social media about an alleged unloading in Santiago de Cuba or Nuevitas.
According to the company, these reports were based on events that occurred in January and were reported out of context. "They only increase public confusion," they stated on their official platforms.
It will not be sold in dollars, he assures CUPET
There have also been reports of a possible sale of liquefied natural gas in US dollars. CUPET She was emphatic in denying that possibility: “Liquefied gas continues to be sold in Cuban pesos,” they reiterated.
The company warned that any changes to its marketing plans will be officially announced. In the meantime, they urged the public not to be misled by unverified sources.
The black market is booming and blackouts are worsening the situation.
In the absence of stable distribution, liquefied gas prices have skyrocketed on the informal market. A 100-pound filled flask can cost up to 40.000 Cuban pesos in areas like East Havana. In municipalities like Marianao and Arroyo Naranjo, flasks with a lower content are offered for 20.000 pesos.
A new 10-kg cylinder sells for between 20.000 and 25.000 Cuban pesos in Havana, while in Santiago de Cuba it ranges from 10.000 to 14.000 pesos. Even empty cylinders fetch high prices, being treated as a scarce commodity.
On the informal market, the average price is around 30.000 Cuban pesos or more, equivalent to more than 120 US dollars, based on the current dollar exchange rate.
The situation is exacerbated by power outages, leaving many families without any viable cooking alternatives.
Testimonies from a country without a kitchen
Comments posted by users on social media reflect the discontent. “I haven't gotten gas since December, how long will the wait last?” wrote one woman on a public forum. Another user stated that she hasn't been able to buy gas at her usual point in Alamar since October.
A Matanzas resident reported: "I haven't been able to get a gas tank since November 5th. This has never happened before." Some elderly people say they've been without gas for more than 100 days, and families with young children report having no safe alternative for cooking.
No timeline or concrete answer
As of May 5, there is no official information regarding the arrival date of a new ship carrying liquefied natural gas to the island. CUPET It claims to be taking “the relevant steps,” but has not offered a distribution schedule or a plan to normalize the service.
Uncertainty increases every week. Amid a worsening energy crisis, thousands of Cubans are still waiting for a clear answer so they can cook.
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2 comments
It's all disrespectful. At least they wouldn't cut off our electricity. We could cook with electricity, of course, those who have an electric stove. My God, we're going backwards like crabs. Until when will this continue? Use the money you collect in USD stores to buy gas and pay for everything, at least that much.
What can I say about Santa Clara? My gas was due on October 27th, and I haven't had any since. I can't buy it at a inflated price, and to top it all off, they sold me a defective cylinder last time, which I hope is the reason the gas will run out faster. I have a small child, elderly people, and a sick person. I don't know where we're going to end up; I don't see a point of return with anything that's happening.