Ecuador’s energy ministry reported a new fuel spill in the Amazon, labeling it an ‘attack’ believed to be sabotage. This follows a previous spill contaminating rivers and affecting clean drinking water. The energy ministry is evaluating the impact on the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, while assuring national power supply continues amid the crisis. Energy Minister condemned the situation amidst upcoming presidential elections.
On March 23, 2025, Ecuador’s energy ministry announced a new leak in a fuel pipeline located in the Amazon region, labeling the incident an “attack.” This declaration follows an earlier spill that had serious repercussions for the populace, impacting hundreds of thousands.
The energy ministry did not specify the magnitude of the new leak or whether it affected the Coca River, which is vital for the nation’s primary hydroelectric facility. They reported that “a leak of oil derivatives” occurred in Napo province, suggesting sabotage as the cause of this incident.
In response to a previous spill on March 13, the state-owned oil company declared a state of emergency. This earlier incident polluting several rivers deprived many residents of access to clean drinking water.
Officials from the energy ministry are contemplating whether to temporarily shut down the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric power plant, which contributes 1,100 MW to the national grid, as a precautionary measure. However, they assured that this shutdown would not result in power shortages across the nation.
In 2024, Ecuador experienced significant blackouts lasting up to 14 hours per day due to an unprecedented drought that severely depleted hydroelectric reservoirs. The earlier spill was reportedly triggered by a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline, resulting in tens of thousands of barrels of crude oil spilling into multiple waterways, including the Esmeraldas River, threatening water safety for many residents.
Energy Minister Ines Manzano condemned these incidents as acts of sabotage against the nation’s oil infrastructure. President Daniel Noboa, who took office in November 2023, is preparing for a runoff election against leftist candidate Luisa Gonzalez set for April 13, 2025.
In summary, the recent fuel leaks in Ecuador’s Amazon region have been characterized as acts of sabotage by the energy ministry, highlighting the ongoing threats to the nation’s environmental and public health. The government is considering protective measures for the hydroelectric power plant to ensure continued energy supply amidst these crises. The situation underscores the precarious balance between energy production and environmental safety in the region.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
