The gas industry in Madrid during the period following the Spanish Civil War: Gas Madrid, S. A.

Abstract

The misguided policies of autarky imposed by the Francoist authorities at the end of the Spanish Civil War, which aimed at economic self-sufficiency, were disastrous for the Spanish gas sector, since they prevented the supply of coal suitable for the manufacture of gas —which the country lacked— and the technological equipment essential to renovate the outdated factories. Likewise, the strong state interventionism in the national coal market affected gas companies in a very negative way. By studying the case of Madrid’s gas sector and the story of Gas Madrid S.A. during the 1940s, this essay focuses on the problems faced by the gas industry during the period following the Spanish Civil War. Using the data available, this work examines both the production and consumption of gas in the capital, besides the run of the Madrid Gas Factory and the state of its facilities, and the relationship of the company with its customers.