The residents of Matanzas Province expressed outrage after the CUPET Fuel Company announced that there was no liquefied gas available for sale to the public. A brief note published on the Provincial Government of People's Power in Matanzas Facebook page officially informed the locals about the fuel shortage, although it appears they had been experiencing this issue before the notification.
"We already know this. My gas was due on the 6th, and who knows when I will get it. There is no electricity to cook food for children, the elderly, and families in general. How are we supposed to cook? There's not even firewood available. When will we receive good news for this suffering population?" one resident commented on the post.
The Matanzas authorities claimed in their note that they were prepared to distribute the product as soon as it became available, ensuring it would reach different Points of Sale promptly so that the public could acquire it as quickly as possible.
However, the population expressed their frustration at the officials' message. "And they ask for resilience and creativity, which no one believes anymore. Ordinary Cubans are the ones who show resilience so that our leaders can live comfortably. They are not making any sacrifices and expect life to go on as usual. Of course, they have all their problems solved, even for the unborn in their family trees," one internet user criticized.
The supposed efficiency promised by CUPET when the product becomes available did not go unnoticed. "What a relief...thank you, thank you. Knowing that the CUPET team is a model of readiness...that reassures me...we will cook with that readiness!" another user commented sarcastically.
One Cuban expressed significant dissatisfaction with the government’s information. "What else can happen, what else is lacking? Without electricity, we can’t cook; without gas, we can’t cook. So, what solution will the government provide to its people? We don't want this information; we want them to solve the problems," they asserted.
Cubans are enduring long hours of blackouts, preventing them from cooking food with electricity, a common alternative in Cuba since the "promising" Energy Revolution initiated by dictator Fidel Castro in the early 2000s. Now, the lack of liquefied gas adds another layer of difficulty to an already uncertain and distressing situation.
Recently, President Miguel Díaz-Canel claimed in a supposed gesture of empathy that the blackouts in recent days "have been terrible, lasting up to 20 hours." "We need to tackle problems bit by bit every day and keep moving forward. The blackouts have been terrible, even lasting 20 hours, but this will be resolved. Some plants are under maintenance, and this has been the strategy to avoid issues in the summer," he said to a population weary of the government’s excuses.
Understanding the LPG Shortage in Matanzas
To provide further clarity on the issues surrounding the LPG shortage in Matanzas, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why is there a liquefied gas shortage in Matanzas?
The shortage has been attributed to logistical and supply chain issues, which have been exacerbated by the country's ongoing economic difficulties and lack of resources.
How are residents coping with the lack of gas and electricity?
Residents are struggling significantly, as they lack viable alternatives for cooking food. Many express frustration and demand solutions from the government.
What steps is the government taking to address these issues?
The government has promised to distribute gas as soon as it becomes available and claims that current maintenance on energy plants will help mitigate future blackouts.