Supermarket23 has launched a service offering 10 kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders—commonly referred to as "balitas"—for $29, with free delivery. However, there's a non-negotiable condition: recipients in Cuba must provide an empty cylinder of the same size and in good condition to receive the full one.
Cuban broadcaster Laritza Camacho highlighted this news on social media, posting with sarcasm on Facebook: "At Supermarket23, a balita of LPG for $29. This is capitalism with quite a character... irreversible."
Conditions for Gas Cylinder Exchange
According to the product description on the platform, "the recipient must have a 10 kg empty cylinder (balita) in good condition to make the exchange. No delivery will be made without an empty cylinder."
The empty cylinder must meet basic safety requirements: no holes larger than two centimeters, a stable base, no advanced rust, and an intact handle.
Supermarket23 warns, "Failure to meet any of these conditions will result in the rejection of the empty cylinder at the time of delivery," and clarifies the product is delivered sealed, with no installation service included.
Economic Challenges and Currency Fluctuations
The $29 price tag for the balita equates to 15,660 Cuban pesos at the current informal exchange rate of approximately 540 pesos per dollar, as reported by elTOQUE. For the majority of Cubans earning salaries in the national currency, this cost is prohibitively expensive.
Since 2020, the Cuban peso has depreciated by nearly 95% against the dollar. In the last year alone, the U.S. dollar surged 47.8% against the peso, driven by a severe currency crisis on the island.
Context of a Worsening Gas Supply Crisis
Supermarket23's offering comes amid a persistent crisis in the state supply of LPG. In January 2025, CUPET extended the purchase cycle to one balita every two months in Ciego de Ávila, while shortages in Matanzas affected over 109,000 households between October and December 2024.
In January 2026, the tanker Emilia returned to Cuba empty due to the state's inability to pay, exacerbating the shortages further. In a partial response, the government expanded the manufactured gas service in Havana, targeting 25,000 customers, yet this fails to address the underlying issue.
Impact of Dollarization in the Energy Sector
Simultaneously, the energy sector in Cuba is rapidly dollarizing. Since January 2024, nearly 30 state-run service stations have been selling fuel exclusively in dollars. Additionally, the private sector has started importing diesel directly from the United States under licenses approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In February, the government passed a regulation requiring platforms like Supermarket23 to channel their foreign currency revenues through the state banking system.
The requirement to provide a well-maintained empty cylinder poses an additional obstacle for many Cuban families whose containers have deteriorated over time due to inadequate maintenance, potentially preventing them from accessing the service even if they can afford the $29 cost.
FAQs on Supermarket23's Gas Cylinder Offer
What is the cost of the LPG cylinder at Supermarket23?
The LPG cylinder costs $29, with free delivery, provided the customer exchanges an empty cylinder in good condition.
What are the conditions for exchanging an LPG cylinder at Supermarket23?
Customers must provide a 10 kg empty cylinder in good condition, meeting specific safety criteria, to receive a full cylinder.
How has the Cuban peso's value changed in recent years?
The Cuban peso has lost about 95% of its value against the U.S. dollar since 2020, affecting the affordability of imported goods.