The Manufactured Gas Company has announced an impending complete shutdown of gas services in the Playa and Marianao districts of Havana. This interruption is due to the replacement of a 12-inch transmission pipeline. The shutdown will occur at the "Mario Fortuny" production plant, starting from 10:00 PM on Thursday, August 21, and lasting until 4:00 AM on Friday, August 22, fully disrupting gas supply in these areas.
The company emphasized that this intervention is "essential" to ensure the stability of the gas network serving both municipalities. Maintenance work will be concentrated at the intersection of 70th and 43rd streets in the Playa district.
In a statement, the entity apologized to its customers for any inconvenience caused by this service interruption and reiterated its "commitment" to delivering a safe and high-quality service to the public.
Widespread Energy Issues in Cuba
The challenges with manufactured gas services in the capital are part of Cuba's severe energy crisis, which is further exacerbated by a shortage of liquefied gas. This reality continues to affect everyday life for many Cubans, while the government fails to resolve the ongoing fuel shortages.
In May, a ruptured gas pipeline worsened conditions for residents in two Havana municipalities, where domestic fuel supply was halted until the damaged section was replaced in the following days. Earlier, at the end of April, the #1 (Melones) manufactured gas production plant suspended services in the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, La Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre for "urgent" maintenance.
Just a month prior, the industry had already conducted another critical shutdown to "ensure the stability of gas" in these five municipalities. Meanwhile, the persistent shortage of liquefied gas continues to disrupt daily life for much of the Cuban population.
Understanding Havana's Gas Supply Challenges
Why is there a complete shutdown of gas services in Playa and Marianao?
The shutdown is necessary for replacing a section of the 12-inch transmission pipeline, which is crucial for maintaining the stability of the gas network in these areas.
How long will the gas service interruption last?
The gas supply will be disrupted from 10:00 PM on August 21 to 4:00 AM on August 22.
What are the broader implications of gas shortages in Havana?
The gas shortages are part of a larger energy crisis in Cuba, impacting daily life and exacerbated by a lack of liquefied gas, for which the government has yet to find a solution.