A staggering 164 Venezuelans have died
between 2018 and 2024 due to gas cylinder explosions, based on reports from fire departments and national safety studies.
This alarming statistic becomes even more crucial following the recent explosion in Catia Oeste (Caracas), which left 25 injured—two of them children—thanks to the detonation of a 43 kg cylinder left unattended. The incident emphasizes a dangerous trend: 80% of gas cylinders in circulation fail to meet technical standards, while the absence of mercaptan due to sanctions prevents the detection of leaks.
Structural Causes of the Disaster
1. A collapsing cylinder park:
– 12 million cylinders (out of 15 million total) are over 20 years-old without maintenance, having cracks, corrossion, and faulty valves. Covenin standards (1997) require inspections every seven years, but PDVSA and distributors have neglected these checks since 2007.
– A critical example: The cylinder from Catia had leaks due to deterioration in the semi-elliptical bottom, ejected up to 60 meters by the explosion.
2. Odorant blocked by sanctions:
– The U.S. Treasury Department banned the importation of methyl mercaptan since 2019, the compound that gives gas its characteristic “rotten egg” smell. Without this, firefighters report 10 undetected leaks weekly in Aragua.
– Consequence: In 2022, a family in Caracas suffered severe burns as they couldn’t detect a leak while cooking.
Negligence in the chain and humanitarian emergency
– Distributors: Fail to conduct visual tests for corrosion or dents before refilling. Transport cylinders stacked without protection, increasing damage.
– Users: 89% store cylinders in enclosed areas and use inadequate piping (copper/iron mix) that facilitates corrosion.
– Energy crisis: LP gas production (15,000 barrels daily) covers only 37.5% of demand (40,000), forcing households to use firewood or electric stoves amid power outages.
Conclusion reinforced:
The Catia incident—currently under investigation for possible intentionality—shows how infrastructure neglect combined with sanctions turns domestic gas into a constant threat. Urgent actions needed:
1. International audits to renew 80% of the cylinder park.
2. Humanitarian exceptions allowing the import of mercaptan.
PDVSA, responsible for the deficit of 2 million cylinders, continues to evade its responsibilities while death toll rises.
🔍 #InContext
– Casualties: 25 injured (including children aged 7 and 12) after the explosion on Argentina Street.
– Investigation: Mayor Carmen Meléndez suspects “intentionality” due to the unusual placement of the cylinder.
– Damage: The blast wave, with a 20-meter diameter, affected informal stalls and passing vehicles.
