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Juan Carlos Linares, Cuba-Verdad
HAVANA, August 9 (www.cubanet.org) - The government has cut in half the
ration of kerosene many Cubans depend on as a cooking fuel since the beginning
of this year.
Early in 2002, a family of five was allowed to buy eight gallons of kerosene
per month. The ration was initially cut to six gallons, and in August, to four.
The ration for a family of three has been cut to three gallons per month.
"This is the second time this year the kerosene quota has been reduced,"
said an employee of the Commercial Enterprise in Arroyo Naranjo. He added that
neither store administrators or local government officials have been able to
explain the reason for the cutbacks; although many here presume that it’s
all part of the larger energy crisis the country has been going through.
Kerosene is sold to families who don’t have gas service, estimated to
be between 40 and 50 percent of all households. Black market prices for kerosene
oscillate between five and seven pesos for a 750 milliliter bottle.Consumers
stretch their meager allotment with stolen diesel fuel, charcoal, or wood.
"I have nothing to eat, or fuel to cook whatever I may find,"
complained one woman in Arroyo Naranjo.
Versión
original en español
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