The Cuban regime has vowed to soon commence the distribution of liquefied gas in the eastern region, following the acquisition of necessary funds to pay for a vessel stationed in Santiago de Cuba. Argelio Jesús Abad Vigoa, the first deputy minister of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, announced through the state-run newspaper Granma that beginning Tuesday, May 27, the eastern provinces will start receiving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), after securing the funds to settle the payment for the crude-carrying ship.
Distribution to the western region is expected to follow two to three days later, he indicated. "Once inventory is available, sales to the public will resume," the official assured.
Challenges in LPG Supply
The situation regarding LPG has been dire in the country due to financial constraints hindering payment for ships docking at Cuban shores and the halt in production at the Cienfuegos refinery. The shutdown of the plant left the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) inventory depleted and halted its distribution in the central region of the country.
The regime’s press reported that the Cienfuegos Refinery stoppage occurred because the crude-carrying vessel experienced a technical failure, delaying its expected arrival. However, officials have indicated that the refinery is set to restart operations this weekend following the crude's arrival on the island. The facility underwent an extensive maintenance period, and thanks to technological innovations and the recovery of key components at the filling plant, small reserves of liquefied gas are expected to be available, primarily allocated to hospitals, strategic socioeconomic centers, and the central region's population.
Financial Struggles and International Sanctions
The scarcity of liquefied gas in Cuba is attributed to financial difficulties affecting imports and international economic sanctions, complicating payments to suppliers. Amidst an ongoing energy crisis, ships loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have reached Cuban shores but have been unable to commence unloading due to unresolved payment issues, a recurrent problem in Cuba.
The Cuban regime claims that their bases in the western, central, and eastern parts of the country are ready to receive shipments as soon as the cargoes are cleared for release.
FAQs on Cuba's LPG Crisis
Why has there been a shortage of LPG in Cuba?
The shortage of LPG in Cuba is largely due to financial difficulties in making payments for imports and international sanctions that complicate transactions with suppliers.
What caused the halt in LPG distribution in central Cuba?
Distribution was halted due to the shutdown of the Cienfuegos refinery, which occurred because of a delay in the arrival of a crude-carrying vessel that experienced technical issues.
When will LPG distribution resume in eastern Cuba?
LPG distribution in eastern Cuba is expected to begin on Tuesday, May 27, after securing funds to pay for the crude-carrying vessel.