In a recent police operation on the southern outskirts of Guantánamo, a man was apprehended while transporting 120 liters of diesel on an electric tricycle, as reported by the pro-government Facebook page "Guantánamo y su Verdad."
The individual was found with six 20-liter plastic containers filled with diesel when stopped near the electrification plant known as "Los Güiros," a crucial facility for the region's power supply.
The Hidden Discovery at the Power Plant
The discovery extended beyond the diesel on the tricycle. Authorities expanded their investigation into the plant itself and surrounding areas, uncovering numerous containers and plastic bags filled with diesel.
While investigations continue, officials have yet to disclose the total amount of fuel seized, the identity of the suspect, or the exact date of the arrest.
Public Reaction: Distrust and Division
The report sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing skepticism towards the official narrative and suggesting the arrested individual might be a minor player in a larger scheme.
"He must be the receiver... almost certainly the real mastermind is within the institution," commented one user.
Another added, "They caught the smallest one… the big fish is still out there."
Comments frequently hinted at internal collusion: "Fuel always appears on the street... someone allows it" and "Nobody steals alone: bigger players are involved."
One widely shared comment captured the prevailing sentiment: "To catch the octopus, you must grab it by the head."
Opinions were sharply divided. While some demanded harsh penalties, with remarks like "Life sentence" or "The people don't deserve this behavior," others framed the issue within the context of dire circumstances:
"This isn't crime; it's survival... people are forced by the situation."
One voice encapsulated the sentiment about selective justice: "Justice should be equal for everyone, not just the most vulnerable."
A Repeated Pattern in Guantánamo
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, a network of seven individuals was dismantled in Guantánamo for stealing diesel from a 110 kV power plant. The culprits refilled engines with water to mask the missing fuel.
They caused a loss exceeding 1,200 liters, distributing more than 50,000 Cuban pesos in at least one operation.
This phenomenon isn't confined to Guantánamo. On June 8, the MININT apprehended a tanker truck carrying 6,000 liters of stolen fuel oil in Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus, originating from oil wells in Ciego de Ávila.
The Context: Diesel as a Luxury Amid Blackouts
Fuel diversion occurs at an exceedingly inopportune time for Cubans. On May 14, the minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, admitted on state television that the nation had depleted its reserves: "We have absolutely no fuel oil, nor any diesel."
In such circumstances, diesel on the black market commands prices ranging from 3,500 to 8,000 Cuban pesos per liter, making its diversion an immensely profitable venture.
CUPET has publicly acknowledged that employees, security personnel, brigade leaders, and executives within state entities are involved in these thefts.
The 2022 Cuban Penal Code categorizes sabotage of energy facilities with penalties ranging from seven to 30 years in prison, potentially extending to life imprisonment in severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fuel Theft in Guantánamo
What led to the man's arrest in Guantánamo?
The man was arrested during a police operation for transporting 120 liters of diesel on an electric tricycle near a key power facility.
How did the public react to the arrest?
The public expressed skepticism towards the official story, suspecting the arrested individual was a minor part of a larger operation, and voiced concerns about selective justice.
Why is diesel considered a luxury in Cuba currently?
Due to a severe fuel shortage acknowledged by the government, diesel has become a highly valued commodity, commanding high prices on the black market.