Ecuador identified a new fuel leak in the Amazon, deemed sabotage, following a previous spill that impacted hundreds of thousands by contaminating rivers and disrupting drinking water supplies. The energy ministry is assessing whether to shut down the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant for safety while assuring continuous power supply.
On March 23, 2025, Ecuador’s energy ministry reported a new fuel leak in the Amazon region, labeling it an “attack.” This incident follows a serious earlier spill that significantly impacted hundreds of thousands. The ministry did not disclose the volume of this leak or its proximity to the Coca River, which is crucial for the nation’s hydroelectric power generation.
The leak, described as “a leak of oil derivatives,” occurred in the eastern province of Napo and has been attributed to sabotage. Just days prior, Ecuador’s state-owned oil company declared an emergency concerning another spill originating from a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline on March 13. This prior accident contaminated several rivers and disrupted clean drinking water access for thousands.
Officials are considering whether to temporarily shut down the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric power plant, which contributes 1,100 MW to the national grid, as a precaution to safeguard its machinery. However, the ministry reassured that this shutdown would not lead to power shortages, as sufficient electricity supply is ensured for the entire country.
In 2024, Ecuador experienced severe blackouts due to the worst drought in 60 years, which depleted hydroelectric reservoirs. The earlier spill released numerous barrels of oil, contaminating at least five waterways, including the Esmeraldas River flowing to the Pacific Ocean. Energy Minister Ines Manzano condemned these actions as sabotage targeting vital oil infrastructure. As the situation develops, President Daniel Noboa is set to face leftist opposition leader Luisa Gonzalez in a presidential run-off on April 13.
Ecuador is grappling with a new fuel leak in the Amazon, recently classified as sabotage and occurring shortly after a major spill that severely affected water access. The government is evaluating the operational status of the Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric power plant to safeguard against potential contamination without risking blackout scenarios. These incidents underline ongoing issues with oil infrastructure and environmental safety, coinciding with a politically charged atmosphere as elections loom.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
