Digital revolution: Cienfuegos starts test sales for liquid gas!

Digital revolution: Cienfuegos starts test sales for liquid gas!

In Cuba, a pilot for the digital sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been launched in the province of Cienfuegos. The National Fuel Trading Company (ENCC) and the Transfermóvil platform initiate this project that aims to improve access to domestic fuel through digital transformation. Point-of-sale (POS) terminals are now available at points of sale 50 and 51 and the Arizona station in Cienfuegos, allowing customers to pay in cash, with magnetic cards or via the Transfermóvil app. The aim of the new system is to streamline shopping processes and shorten the often long queues.

The sale of liquid gas partially resumed in mid-May after a lengthy interruption. Provinces such as Ciego de Ávila, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus and Cienfuegos are receiving new deliveries through the reactivation of the Cienfuegos refinery, but widespread supply remains a challenge at the moment. Many people in the country are still waiting for a stable solution as the shortage of LPG drives up petrol prices on the black market.

Gas supply crisis

However, the gas supply situation has worsened dramatically. According to the Empresa de Gas Licuado, the deficit is particularly noticeable in Havana, Artemisa and Mayabeque. Inventory limitations lead to disruptions in service to the population, forcing many Cubans to resort to alternatives such as coal and wood. This change not only shows the problem of energy supply, but also reflects deeper structural problems in Cuba.

The critical energy situation is further exacerbated by continuous power outages. Long lines are forming in cities as people wait for basic resources. The government has announced that it will announce the distribution plan for LPG in a timely manner, but specific dates are still pending.

Reactions and outlook

Social media is overflowing with voices of despair. Some citizens express their frustration by saying, “We are going back to the Stone Age.” The population sharply criticizes the irregular supply, which further increases dissatisfaction.

The government has organized measures to address the problem, including the arrival of a tanker to resume distribution of liquefied natural gas, with phased unloading scheduled to begin in Santiago de Cuba. However, the question remains whether these efforts will be enough to meet the needs of households forced to rely on wood or coal stoves. Prices for coal-fired stoves are already rising, further exacerbating an already tense situation.

Meanwhile, the population is skeptically watching the pilot test of the digital sales platform, as there are serious concerns about the actual availability of the product and the frequent power outages. The issue of liquid gas remains an extremely pressing and stressful problem for many households in Cuba.

For further information on the gas supply situation in Cuba, we refer to the reports from directoriocubano.info and cybercuba.com.