The state-run company CUPET reported an attempted theft at the Los Leones gas sales center located in the La Lisa district of Havana. On October 9th, amid adverse weather conditions, local residents noticed suspicious activity. Alleged thieves had broken the louvers of the gas sales point's ventilators to create an opening, through which they planned to enter the facility.
Thanks to the vigilance of the community, a patrol from the National Revolutionary Police (PNR) was alerted and promptly arrived at the scene. Although the perpetrators managed to escape before being apprehended, they left empty-handed, taking no gas cylinders with them.
Authorities, in collaboration with the leadership of the La Lisa Commercial Group, are currently investigating the incident. CUPET has voiced significant concern over such actions, which undermine efforts to ensure the supply of a critical resource to Cuban households. "Such acts hinder our work to meet the needs of our customers. We strongly condemn these incidents and trust that the public will continue to reject these types of behaviors," stated CUPET in their official statement.
Resumption of Gas Sales Amid Challenges
Earlier in October 2024, the Cuban government resumed the sale of liquefied gas following a payment to an international supplier, which allowed for the partial unloading of a ship that had been docked for weeks. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy emphasized the importance of liquefied gas supply for the population, especially in light of widespread power outages that have forced residents to rely on alternative cooking methods like charcoal and firewood.
Despite the resumption of sales, the situation remains precarious, as the distribution of liquefied gas had been halted in many regions, leaving Cubans to seek other means for food preparation.