The production plant of gas #1 (Melones) in Havana is ready to begin the start-up process, after completing scheduled maintenance work, according to the Manufactured Gas Company, as reported on Tuesday by the provincial government on its social media.
"Thanks to the effort and teamwork of #GasManufacturado and #EMCOR, maintenance actions were carried out... to initiate the service startup process," the entity stated in an official post.
The work included the replacement of the intake lines to the plant, as well as the elimination of leaks at joints, in a coordinated operation with the Company for the Transport of Hydrocarbons and Derivatives by Pipeline (EMCOR).
Power outage that affected five municipalities
The maintenance caused a temporary disruption of service between the night of April 21 and the early morning of April 22, which affected residential customers and entities in the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre. Despite the inconveniences, the authorities believe that the work was completed as scheduled.
This episode recalls a similar intervention that took place in March, when the same plant halted its operations to change the inlet filters of the accompanying natural gas, also with the involvement of EMCOR.
Users are complaining... and joking
The official publication for the month of March generated numerous reactions among the residents of Havana, who took the opportunity to express both their dissatisfaction with the service and their frustration over the prolonged lack of liquefied gas, an essential resource for cooking in millions of Cuban households.
“A fierce competition between Unión Eléctrica (UNE), Aguas de La Habana (AH), the Liquefied Gas Company, and ETECSA to see which of them has the best justification for periodically interrupting their already terrible 'services'... in addition to the blockade, of course,” joked an internet user.
Other users directly asked when liquefied gas would be available again, as it has become one of the greatest shortages in households on the island in recent months. “I’m running out of liquefied gas. Should I light a firewood in the middle of the street?” a woman wrote sarcastically.
An unsustainable situation for many families
The scarcity of liquefied gas adds to the already critical energy crisis in Cuba, where prolonged blackouts, inflation of basic goods, and the deterioration of public services have created an extreme precarious situation for a large part of the population.
Meanwhile, Cubans continue to face their daily lives amidst official justifications, promises of recovery, and temporary solutions that fail to address the basic needs of millions of households.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Gas Plant in Havana and the Gas Crisis in Cuba
Why did the gas plant in Havana recently stop operating?
The gas plant in Havana has been shut down due to scheduled maintenance carried out to ensure service stability. This maintenance included the replacement of inlet lines and the elimination of leaks at joints.
Which municipalities were affected by the gas service interruption in Havana?
The interruption of gas service affected the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre. This outage was due to maintenance work at the Melones gas plant.
How does the liquefied gas crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The liquefied gas crisis in Cuba severely impacts daily life, as many families depend on this resource for cooking. The shortage has forced people to turn to alternative methods such as wood or charcoal stoves, further complicating the situation due to frequent power outages.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the shortage of liquefied gas?
The Cuban government has managed the arrival of ships to resume the distribution of liquefied gas, starting with partial deliveries in the eastern part of the country. However, the distribution remains limited and does not meet the high demand, causing dissatisfaction among the population.
Why are Cubans dissatisfied with basic services such as gas and electricity?
Cubans are dissatisfied due to the inefficiency and frequent interruptions in basic services such as gas and electricity. This adds to a broader energy crisis, where official justifications fail to ease the daily hardships faced by families on the island.
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