# La Plata compressed natural gas shortage > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/la-plata-compressed-natural-gas-shortage > Updated: 2026-08-15T23:56:04.000Z. Sources: 34. Developments: 2. A critical shortage of compressed natural gas (GNC) has persisted for over eight days in La Plata and the surrounding region. Only approximately 10 of the 40 usual service stations remain operational, with many implementing strict quotas that sell out quickly. Camuzzi identified the shortage as a structural issue, noting that sustained cold weather and high humidity have increased residential demand, forcing the prioritization of homes, schools, and hospitals over fuel stations. The crisis was initially triggered by technical issues at Transportadora de Gas del Sur. The scarcity is significantly impacting local workers, including taxi and app-based drivers, who face reduced demand and income due to the high cost of switching to gasoline. In response, the Federation of Fuel Entities (FEC) has called for government intervention, with distributors issuing formal legal notices to President Javier Milei and other provincial and national authorities to demand solutions to supply restrictions. ## Claims - The fire began around 2:30 or 3:00 AM on Monday. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The emergency was reported to ECU 911 at approximately 17:43. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The fire is located at the intersection of 10 de Agosto and Cristóbal Colón streets in Riobamba. (corroborated by 6 sources) - EDELAP is working to restore service by reconfiguring the network, prioritizing essential services and health centers. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The fire occurred at the Tolosa substation on street 528, between Camino General Belgrano and street 9. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Authorities conducted preventive evacuations of residents living near the substation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The fire affects buildings occupying approximately one city block. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Authorities have ordered a preventive evacuation of the surrounding area due to the presence of laboratories and other installations. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Empresa Eléctrica de Riobamba was requested to intervene to reduce risks. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The fire caused a transformer explosion and the collapse of two towers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - More than 15 generator groups were deployed to assist in restoring power. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The fire caused traffic complications due to the failure of numerous traffic lights. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-15: La Plata electrical substation fire causes massive power outage A major fire at the Tolosa electrical substation in La Plata caused a massive power outage affecting thousands of users. EDELAP is working to restore service, prioritizing hospitals and essential services. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/riobamba-structural-fire-triggers-evacuations-in-city-center ### 2026-08-14: La Plata faces critical GNC fuel shortage as stations close A severe GNC shortage in La Plata has left most service stations unable to supply fuel, impacting taxi drivers and app workers while residential demand remains high due to cold weather. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-plata-faces-critical-gnc-fuel-shortage-as-stations-close --- Cite as: La Plata compressed natural gas shortage. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/la-plata-compressed-natural-gas-shortage