CUPET's Stark Warning to Cuba's LPG Users

The state-run Liquefied Gas Company has informed its customers that the distribution and sale of the product are currently "affected due to a shortfall." This brief official statement, released on Monday morning, mentioned that the gas shortage will persist "until the next import arrives." However, it failed to provide a specific date for the expected arrival of the next shipment. The state company added, "CUPET is taking the necessary steps to restore the service as soon as possible."

The announcement concluded with a promise that "the company's management remains committed to promptly informing the public through official channels about the resumption of commercial activities and purchasing cycles following the latest acquisition date."

In recent months, the distribution of liquefied gas in Cuba has experienced significant challenges, impacting millions of Cuban households that rely on this fuel for cooking. The erratic supply has resulted in frequent delays and restrictions on sales, pushing authorities to explore alternatives to ensure its availability. Reports of corruption linked to this essential resource have also surfaced.

The scarcity of gas has forced many families to turn to alternative sources for cooking, such as charcoal and firewood, especially considering that frequent power outages present another obstacle for those using electric stoves.

Regulatory Changes for LPG Service

On February 11, the regime announced new adjustments to the regulations for the liquefied gas service to the population, justifying them as part of a plan for the "more efficient use of energy and fuel." These modifications were formalized through Resolution No. 18/2025, as per a publication by the Cuba-Petroleum Union (CUPET).

While the government framed these measures as part of a strategy to optimize energy consumption, the supply crisis largely stems from Cuba's reliance on gas imports, which have faced interruptions due to financial issues and logistical difficulties. The changes announced at that time included the following:

FIRST

If the contract holder is temporarily outside the country, and there are family members in the household, the service will continue for up to two years. After this period, the contract will be made with a designated resident among the cohabitants, provided they present an official document from the Immigration and Foreign Affairs Directorate declaring the holder as a resident abroad. Should no consensus be reached among multiple cohabitants, the contract will be granted to the homeowner, or if it coincides with the contract holder, in this order: spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, nephew, cousin, in-law, or brother-in-law, who must meet the requirement mentioned in the previous section. A provisional contract for up to two years will be made with someone residing permanently outside the country, declared as the household head. It will also be made with a non-family member resident in the household, receiving service exceptionally without providing a Supply Booklet. After two years, the provisional contract will be extended for one more year. If the holder formally requests to maintain the contract's title, it will be held as a CUPET deposit until their return. If they choose to transfer the right, the provisional contract will become permanent.

SECOND

Should the contract holder be incarcerated or under preventive custody and live alone, the contract will become inactive but can be reactivated once non-custodial conditions apply. A provisional contract will be made in the name of the person managing the family unit with the holder until conditions change. Similarly, an exceptional provisional contract will be granted to someone not in the family unit but caring for the residence, without needing a Supply Booklet. This exception must be reflected in the Control Card at the Point of Sale.

THIRD

The service contract for free-sale can be transferred to any municipality nationwide, regardless of this modality's existence. The holder will continue receiving delivery twice a year if applicable in the municipality.

FOURTH

The contract holder with two 10-kilogram cylinders can transfer rights up to the fourth degree of kinship: parents, children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, uncles, nephews, cousins, grand-nephews, and great-uncles; and up to the second degree of affinity: spouse, in-laws, parents-in-law, grandparents-in-law, and siblings-in-law. This act will lead to a new contract for the person granted the rights.

FIFTH

If a service contract holder sells their home and doesn't transfer the contract to the new residence or grant rights to the buyer, CUPET will create a provisional contract for up to two years with the new homeowner until the holder exercises their rights. If the holder exercises their rights, the provisional contract will end. Otherwise, it will become permanent for the new homeowner. CUPET will retrieve the cylinder and close the contract for those not meeting these conditions.

Despite regulatory adjustments, uncertainty about stable access to liquefied gas remains a concern for the public.