The sale of liquefied gas in dollars through platforms like Katapulk and Supermarket23 highlights a stark reality for countless Cubans: survival increasingly hinges on access to foreign currency.
Both platforms have started offering 10-kilogram liquefied gas cylinders—commonly known as "balitas"—for $29, with delivery limited to Havana. There's a catch, though: customers must exchange an empty cylinder of the same size, in good condition, to receive a filled one.
This change comes amid a protracted crisis in the state-supplied LPG service, characterized by lengthy outages, extended sales cycles, and thousands of households struggling due to shortages.
The regime continues to blame the U.S. embargo, yet the service's decline also stems from Cuba's dwindling state finances. In January 2026, the tanker Emilia returned empty to Cuba, unable to secure payment from the government.
Exclusive Solutions for Those with Access to Dollars
Emerging options to alleviate the crisis are geared solely towards individuals receiving remittances or those with dollar access.
The cost of a gas cylinder, at $29, translates to around 15,660 Cuban pesos on the informal market—a price point virtually unattainable for most workers and retirees paid in local currency.
Dollarization Extends to Essential Services
The influence of dollarization has moved beyond food stores and service stations. It now penetrates essential daily services: cooking, transportation, and stable electricity access.
Since 2024, nearly 30 state-run gas stations have been selling fuel exclusively in dollars, while the private sector has started importing diesel and liquefied gas from the U.S. under licenses granted by Washington.
The disparity grows more pronounced: while the state admits its inability to ensure a steady supply of essential goods, it permits and regulates dollarized markets that exclude much of the population.
Public Outcry and the Reality of Cooking in Cuba
Many Cubans have taken to social media to express their outrage. "Why not charge for electricity, water, and ETECSA in dollars too, but at least pay us in dollars," one user demanded.
For thousands of families currently cooking with wood or makeshift electric stoves amid frequent blackouts, the new gas offer is not a remedy but another indication that in Cuba, even cooking has become a luxury.
Understanding the Dollarization of Basic Needs in Cuba
Why is liquefied gas being sold in dollars in Cuba?
Liquefied gas is being sold in dollars due to the Cuban regime's strategy to leverage foreign currency amid a prolonged crisis in state-supplied LPG services.
What impact does the dollarization of services have on Cuban citizens?
The dollarization of services restricts access for many Cubans who earn in local currency, making it difficult for them to afford essential services like cooking gas.
How are Cubans coping with the scarcity of LPG?
Many Cubans resort to cooking with wood or using improvised electric stoves, especially during frequent power outages, as they navigate the scarcity of LPG.