An alarming theft of hundreds of liters of diesel fuel has been uncovered at the San Agustín bus terminal in La Lisa, a neighborhood in Havana. This incident comes at a particularly challenging time for Cuba, which is grappling with severe fuel shortages impacting both public transportation and the distributed electricity generation sector.
According to reports from Cubadebate, the theft took place on the night of September 30. Unauthorized vehicles were illegally supplied with fuel at the Fuel Supply Point (PAC) of the CIMEX corporation, located at the San Agustín urban bus depot. The Provincial Transportation Company of Havana disclosed that the attendant on duty, referred to as the "pistero," unauthorizedly utilized multiple fuel cards belonging to the entity, facilitating the siphoning of fuel intended for public transport buses and municipal waste collection trucks.
Impact on Essential Services
The theft exacerbates an already dire situation marked by an acute shortage of buses and "gazellas" in the capital, resulting from the limited availability of fuel. This diversion of resources delivers a significant blow to two crucial services for Havana's residents: urban mobility and waste collection, both of which are already severely impacted by the ongoing energy crisis.
Ongoing Investigation
The irregularities were discovered through joint control measures implemented by the MININT and Havana's authorities. Upon detection, the issue was immediately reported to the relevant authorities, who have launched an investigation to assess the extent of the theft and apprehend those involved.
The Havana Transportation Directorate issued a statement asserting that "impunity will not prevail, and decisive action will be taken against such conduct," labeling the incident as a severe offense given the country's current conditions.
A Critical Resource Amid Crisis
This fuel theft occurs amidst one of the most severe energy crises Cuba has faced in recent years, characterized by prolonged blackouts, partial public transport shutdowns, and stringent restrictions in key sectors.
History Repeats Itself
In a similar case in November 2023, employees from the same San Agustín Terminal and the CIMEX Fuel Supply Point were caught red-handed stealing fuel from the facility. This incident was uncovered during a night inspection by the Provincial Transportation Company of Havana's leadership at public passenger transport service and maintenance facilities.
Details at the time did not specify the number of individuals involved, the amount of fuel confiscated, or the identities of those responsible.
Understanding the Impact of Fuel Theft in Cuba
Why is fuel theft a significant issue in Cuba?
Fuel theft is particularly problematic in Cuba due to the severe fuel shortages that disrupt essential services like public transportation and electricity generation. Such thefts exacerbate the existing crisis, impacting everyday life and economic activities.
How do authorities in Cuba address fuel theft?
Cuban authorities, including the MININT and local government bodies, implement joint control measures to detect and address instances of fuel theft, initiating investigations and taking legal actions against those involved.