The Manufactured Gas Company announced on November 21 that the gas supply for several neighborhoods in Havana will be disrupted starting November 26 due to scheduled maintenance at the ENERGAS plant in Puerto Escondido.
This interruption, lasting from the evening of Tuesday, November 26 until the early morning of Thursday, November 28, will significantly impact thousands of households relying on manufactured gas for cooking.
Complete Shutdown in Some Areas
The shutdown will be total in the municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Cerro, and Centro Habana. In contrast, areas like Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre, Playa, and Marianao will experience either partial or full disruptions, depending on their distance from production sites.
The state entity clarified that the plant would undergo a complete halt "between 9:00 PM on November 26 and 3:00 AM on November 28," with the most significant impact occurring on Wednesday, November 27.
Initially, there was talk of a three-day disruption; however, the company later stressed that "the disruption of manufactured gas service is NOT three days," emphasizing that "the day of greatest impact will be 11/27/2025," in an attempt to calm users' concerns.
Technical Operations and Gas Production
The reason for this disruption lies in a technical operation deemed "necessary" to "ensure the operational safety" of the ENERGAS plant. According to the Manufactured Gas Company, during this period, the plant will receive a reduced gas volume, meaning it will lack the full raw materials needed to maintain regular production levels.
Despite this, production facilities will not entirely cease operations but will instead distribute the limited gas supply they receive partially. "The volume of gas received will be distributed," they confirmed, explaining why some areas will face partial interruptions while others will be completely cut off.
Timing the Disruption Post-Peak Hours
The announcement also highlights that the plant's shutdown will not occur during peak consumption hours; it is set to begin at 9 PM on November 26, "after peak cooking hours," to minimize the immediate impact on Havana households.
According to the company, the ENERGAS plant will resume operations on Thursday, November 28, and the Manufactured Gas Company will gradually return to its usual volume of raw materials for production. However, as frequently happens with technical restarts in Cuba, the exact time for full service restoration was not specified, nor was there mention of compensation or direct communication plans for the most vulnerable users during the disruption.
The company concluded its statement by apologizing "for any inconvenience this interruption may cause" and promising "a higher quality service once this maintenance is completed."
Such disruptions, increasingly common in recent years, often coincide with additional problems in the country's energy infrastructure, leaving many families solely dependent on manufactured gas to meet basic needs.
For now, residents must brace themselves for two challenging days where lighting a stove or boiling water might once again become a daily struggle in Cuba.
Understanding the Gas Supply Interruption in Havana
Why is there a gas supply disruption in Havana?
The disruption is due to scheduled maintenance at the ENERGAS plant in Puerto Escondido, necessary for ensuring operational safety.
Which areas will be most affected by the gas supply cut?
The municipalities of Plaza de la Revolución, Cerro, and Centro Habana will experience a total shutdown, while Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre, Playa, and Marianao will have partial or total disruptions, depending on proximity to production sites.
When will the gas supply be restored?
The ENERGAS plant is expected to resume operations on November 28, but the exact time for full service restoration has not been specified.
How will the disruption impact daily life in Havana?
The disruption will significantly affect households relying on gas for cooking, turning basic activities like lighting a stove or boiling water into daily challenges.