The Provincial Government of Popular Power in Cienfuegos announced on Thursday a series of stringent measures aimed at regulating gasoline sales throughout the region. These new rules, set to take effect on December 2, 2024, are designed to address irregularities and deter criminal activities associated with fuel distribution amidst a severe national energy crisis.
New Restrictions on Fuel Purchases
The announcement outlines limitations on the amount of fuel individuals can purchase and specifies designated sales locations. Key measures include:
Municipal Purchase Restriction: Residents are only permitted to buy gasoline in their home municipality, requiring the presentation of the vehicle's registration, license plate, identity card, and payment card.
Purchase Limits:
- Private cars: Maximum of 40 liters per transaction.
- Motorcycles and tricycles: Up to 20 liters, which must be dispensed directly into the vehicle's tank.
- Electric generators: Allowed to buy up to 20 liters in containers.
Container Sales Prohibition: Sales in containers are banned, except for fuel allocated to electric generators.
Provincial Restrictions: Individuals from other provinces require special authorization from local authorities to purchase fuel in Cienfuegos.
Centralization of Gasoline Sales
Gasoline distribution will be concentrated across seven ServiCupet stations, each serving different sectors and user types. Private consumers can access services until 7:00 p.m., while state and priority services are available 24 hours. The distribution across ServiCupet stations includes:
- Pueblo Grifo: Sales to private vehicles (up to 40 liters), private motorcycles and tricycles (up to 20 liters), and 20 liters in containers for electric generators.
- Pista de Izaje: Exclusive sales to private motorcycles and tricycles (up to 20 liters).
- Calzada: Exclusive service for Cienfuegos Taxi Agency and non-state economic actors.
- Punta Gorda: Fuel supply for tourism entities, public health transportation, and sports dignitaries with special allocations.
- Circuito Sur: Fuel supply for strategic sectors such as cement and agriculture (MINAG).
- Trébol: Designated for state entities.
- La CEN: Services for state entities and individuals under specified regulations.
- UDECAM: Exclusive for entities involved in OPTEI, including leased cargo equipment.
Attempt to Manage Scarcity
This announcement underscores the mounting pressure on local authorities to handle the constrained fuel supply in the province. The measures aim to balance the needs of both state and private sectors while curbing the black market and illegal activities that have surged since gasoline sales were deregulated.
While the restrictions are intended to streamline fuel distribution, Cienfuegos residents are already bracing for increased challenges in meeting their mobility and power generation needs. Long lines at service stations and ongoing uncertainty about supply remain daily realities for a population grappling with extended blackouts, high living costs, and growing frustration over the lack of effective solutions to the national energy crisis.