The persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement continue to plague the state-run CUPET (Cuba Petróleo), where official statements reveal that fuel thefts originate directly from the company's storage facilities.
During the televised program “Hacemos Cuba,” hosted by government spokesperson Humberto López, Yarianna Guerra, the director of the fuel marketing company, publicly admitted that these thefts begin in the large storage tanks. From these tanks, fuel is distributed to tanker trucks that supply gas stations.
Guerra elaborated that those involved manipulate the temperature records of the tanks to falsely indicate higher evaporation rates, enabling them to steal the difference.
“They report higher temperatures, suggesting increased fuel evaporation, which allows them to take the unaccounted difference,” she clarified.
The official mentioned that in just one day, losses from such thefts could range between 20,000 and 30,000 liters of fuel, influenced by the volume handled and the storage capacity of the tanks involved in the theft.
CUPET acknowledges that these operations involve coordinated efforts by several individuals, including tanker truck operators, brigade chiefs, security personnel, and some managers. Consequently, the company has enforced disciplinary actions such as dismissals and job separations across various regions.
Identifying Hotspots for Fuel Theft in Cuba
The regime has pinpointed the locations with the highest rates of fuel theft in the country:
- Generator groups, crucial for power supply during blackouts.
- CUPET storage bases.
- Public transportation bus depots.
Thefts primarily occur at night, taking advantage of the reduced oversight. Between January and August 2025, authorities claim to have recovered 350,000 liters of fuel through police operations.
Currently, the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) and the National Electric Union (UNE) are conducting inspections on 100% of the country's generator groups to curb these thefts.
Despite official announcements, the ongoing fuel theft in Cuba highlights a deep economic and moral crisis, where diverting state resources has become a means of survival amidst scarcity and low wages.
Understanding Fuel Theft and Corruption in Cuba
What are the main locations for fuel theft in Cuba?
Fuel theft in Cuba primarily occurs at generator groups, CUPET storage bases, and public transportation bus depots.
How do individuals involved in theft alter fuel records?
Individuals manipulate tank temperature records to indicate higher evaporation rates, allowing them to steal the unaccounted fuel difference.
What measures have been taken against those involved in fuel theft?
CUPET has implemented disciplinary measures, including dismissals and job separations for those involved in coordinated theft operations.