Ecuador’s Energy Ministry has identified a new fuel leak in the Amazon as an “attack” amidst ongoing sabotage complaints. Previous spills have already affected water supplies for hundreds of thousands. The country considers protective measures for its hydroelectric plant while ensuring power supplies remain steady during the political election period.
On March 23, 2025, Ecuador’s Energy Ministry reported a new leak in a fuel pipeline located in the Amazon, labeling it an “attack.” This incident follows another significant spill that recently impacted countless residents. Specific details regarding the new leak’s size and its potential effects on the Coca River, which supplies a crucial hydroelectric power plant, have yet to be released.
The ministry confirmed that the leak involved oil derivatives in the Napo province, attributing the incident to sabotage. Earlier in the week, Ecuador’s state-owned oil company declared a state of emergency due to a previous spill in the northwest that contaminated various rivers, leaving many without access to clean drinking water.
Officials condemned the earlier incident as another act of sabotage, prompting considerations on whether to temporarily shut down the nearby Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant to safeguard its machinery. However, the ministry assured that a shutdown would not result in power outages, asserting that power supplies would remain stable nationwide.
Ecuador experienced severe blackouts in 2024, lasting up to 14 hours daily, due to a historic drought that critically lowered hydroelectric reservoir levels. The March 13 spill was reportedly triggered by a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline, releasing a significant amount of crude oil into several waterways, including the Esmeraldas River, further compromising clean water accessibility.
Energy Minister Ines Manzano has openly criticized the ongoing sabotage efforts aimed at the nation’s oil infrastructure. Additionally, President Daniel Noboa, who has been in office since November 2023, is currently preparing for a presidential run-off election against leftist opposition leader Luisa Gonzalez scheduled for April 13.
In summary, Ecuador is grappling with the repercussions of two significant fuel leaks attributed to sabotage, which have severely impacted water quality and energy infrastructure. The government is taking measures to ensure that power supply remains uninterrupted while addressing this sabotage to protect public utility. As elections approach, political implications surrounding energy management and infrastructure stability are increasingly critical.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
