Amid the severe energy crisis affecting Cubans, the breakage of a manufactured gas pipeline worsens the situation for residents in two municipalities of Havana, where the supply of domestic fuel will be halted until the damaged section is replaced in the coming days.
The Manufactured Gas Company announced this Wednesday in a statement that, due to a malfunction, a section of pipeline will be replaced on Avenue 51, from 96 to 100, to “ensure the stability of the gas service in the Playa-Marianao network.”
To carry out the work, a “total shutdown” of production plant #2 will take place between 10 PM on the upcoming Friday, May 9, and 4 AM on Saturday, May 10, which will completely affect the service in the municipalities of Playa and Marianao, the entity stated.
The company affiliated with the state oil company CUPET apologized to the affected population for "the inconveniences this interruption may cause," and assured that it remains "committed to providing quality service to its customers."
The issues with the manufactured gas service in the capital are part of the severe energy crisis affecting Cuba, which is also impacted by the shortage of liquefied gas throughout the country and the ongoing and prolonged blackouts.
At the end of April, the #1 production plant (Melones) of manufactured gas in Havana suspended service in the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Old Havana, Central Havana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre, to carry out "urgent" maintenance work. A month earlier, the industry had also made another unavoidable shutdown to "ensure the stability of the gas" in the five municipalities.
Meanwhile, the shortage of liquefied gas continues to negatively impact the daily lives of a large portion of the Cuban population, and the government has not provided a solution to months of fuel scarcity.
For months, citizens have had to endure long queues to try to purchase gas, waiting for hours or even days without success.
Without any alternative, thousands of families have been forced to cook with firewood and charcoal, due to the shortage of basic fuels.
Less than two weeks ago, CUPET confirmed that the shortage of liquefied gas persists due to a lack of supplies. “So far, no liquefied gas ship has arrived, and the national deficit continues,” stated the Camagüey Fuel Distribution Business Unit in a statement specifically issued to clarify a confusion circulating on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gas Service Outage in Havana
Why will the gas supply be interrupted in two municipalities of Havana?
The interruption of manufactured gas supply in the municipalities of Playa and Marianao is due to a broken pipeline. The Manufactured Gas Company has stated that a "total shutdown" of production plant #2 will take place to replace the damaged section, aiming to ensure service stability. This is part of the energy crisis affecting Cuba, where shortages of liquefied gas and power outages are common.
How long will the gas service interruption last in Havana?
The interruption of gas service is scheduled to begin on the night of Friday, May 9, and is expected to end in the early morning of Saturday, May 10. The Manufactured Gas Company estimates that service will be restored in the coming days following the replacement of the faulty section.
How does the energy crisis in Cuba affect citizens?
The energy crisis in Cuba has caused multiple problems for the population, including a shortage of liquefied gas and prolonged blackouts. Citizens are facing long lines to acquire gas, and due to the lack of supplies, many are forced to resort to alternative methods such as using firewood and charcoal for cooking. This situation has deteriorated the quality of life and increased frustration among Cubans.
What measures is the Manufactured Gas Company taking to address the situation?
The Manufactured Gas Company has announced that it will replace the damaged section of the pipeline on Avenue 51 to ensure the stability of the gas service. Additionally, they have expressed their commitment to providing quality service to their customers and have apologized for any inconveniences the interruption may cause. However, the long-term solution remains uncertain due to the ongoing energy crisis in the country.
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