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Venezuela Government Blames ‘Extremists’ for Gas Power Plant Explosion – BNN Bloomberg
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Venezuela Government Blames ‘Extremists’ for Gas Power Plant Explosion – BNN Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) — The Venezuelan government blamed “extremists” for an explosion at a natural gas power plant in eastern Venezuela that left much of Margarita Island in darkness for days.

Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is also Energy Minister, said the Nov. 11 pipeline explosion was one of a series of attacks targeting facilities that provide 80% of the country’s natural gas. Rodríguez said in a statement on state television on Monday that 11 suspects were detained in connection with the incidents.

Rodríguez did not provide any evidence that the explosion was caused by sabotage. He said he could not give a date for the restoration of power.

Local media reported power outages in Margarita lasting up to 20 hours. The two gas-fired power plants on the island are fed by the power plant in the hinterland where the explosion occurred.

Rodríguez said the fire cost the country more than $200 million due to missed production, while state oil company PDVSA said in a statement that at least five people were injured.

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