Ecuador Ministry Identifies New Amazon Fuel Leak as Sabotage Attack
Ecuador’s energy ministry reported a new leak in the Amazon fuel pipeline, labeling it an ‘attack.’ This follows an earlier spill that negatively affected water supplies for hundreds of thousands. The ministry suspects sabotage and is considering protective measures for the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, ensuring no power outages during this assessment.
On March 23, 2025, Ecuador’s energy ministry announced the discovery of a new leak in a fuel pipeline in the Amazon region, labeling it an “attack” following a recent major spill that impacted hundreds of thousands of individuals. The exact quantity of the new spill remains undisclosed, and it is unclear if it has reached the Coca River, which houses the nation’s primary hydroelectric facility.
The leak of oil derivatives occurred in the eastern province of Napo, prompting the ministry to attribute the incident to acts of sabotage. This announcement follows an emergency declaration by the state-owned oil company earlier in the week regarding another spill, which was also attributed to sabotage and which has polluted several rivers, leading to a significant shortage of clean drinking water.
Furthermore, the energy ministry is assessing whether the nearby Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric power plant, which generates 1,100 MW for the national grid, should be temporarily shut down to safeguard its machinery. Nonetheless, the ministry assured that such a shutdown would not result in power outages, as electricity supplies would remain secure throughout the country.
Ecuador had previously experienced severe blackouts lasting up to 14 hours daily in 2024, attributed to an unprecedented drought that depleted hydroelectric reservoir levels. The earlier spill, which occurred on March 13, was caused by a landslide that ruptured a key pipeline, releasing thousands of barrels of oil into nearby rivers, including the Esmeraldas River, negatively impacting water supplies for many.
Energy Minister Ines Manzano has publicly condemned the sabotage of oil infrastructure, as President Daniel Noboa faces a presidential run-off election against leftist opposition leader Luisa Gonzalez on April 13, 2025.
In summary, Ecuador is grappling with a series of fuel pipeline leaks, which the energy ministry has characterized as deliberate sabotage. The recent incidents have resulted in significant environmental and public health concerns, particularly affecting clean water supplies. Authorities are taking measures to prevent further damage to critical infrastructure, while the nation faces political challenges ahead of the upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
