The Manufactured Gas Company has notified its customers in Havana that essential "maintenance work" at the Melones Plant #1 will result in a temporary service disruption. This interruption is scheduled to occur from Tuesday night through early Wednesday morning.
The announcement clarified that the objective of the maintenance is to ensure the stability of the gas supply to the capital. The tasks involve "replacing the inlet filters for the natural gas supplied to this plant, an operation that will be carried out by the Hydrocarbons and Derivatives Transportation Company (EMCOR)." Consequently, a complete shutdown of the plant is planned from 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, until 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26. During this period, gas service will be entirely disrupted to the Havana network, affecting the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre.
The Manufactured Gas Company apologized for "any inconvenience this interruption may cause" and emphasized that "these efforts aim to enhance the quality of service provided to the public."
In a sardonic online comment, a user remarked, "Fierce competition between the Electric Union (UNE), Aguas de La Habana (AH), the Liquefied Gas Company, and ETECSA to see which one has the best excuse for their already poor 'services' interruptions. Plus the blockade... of course."
In the comment section of the announcement, numerous liquefied gas customers inquired about the availability of liquefied gas, a shortage that has become a significant issue in Cuba in recent months. One frustrated woman questioned, "I'm running out of liquefied gas. Should I start a fire in the street?"
Is a Denial Turned Reality?
Some customers also recalled that less than a week ago, the Manufactured Gas Company had denied any service interruptions, which now appear to have materialized as maintenance work. On March 20, the company issued a statement on social media clarifying that there were no planned service interruptions in the coming days and warned that a circulating note on digital platforms announcing gas supply issues was false.
The erroneous information, which had caused concern among customers, suggested that "due to a shortage of raw materials, manufactured gas production plants would be affected, leading to service disruptions in the coming days."
Common Questions About Gas Service Interruptions in Havana
Why is the Manufactured Gas Company interrupting service in Havana?
The interruption is due to indispensable maintenance work at the Melones Plant #1, aimed at ensuring the stability of the gas supply to the capital.
Which areas of Havana will be affected by the gas service disruption?
The service disruption will affect the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Habana Vieja, Centro Habana, Cerro, and Diez de Octubre.
How long will the gas service be interrupted?
The complete shutdown is scheduled from 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, until 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26.