Ecuador’s Petroecuador declares a ‘force majeure’ due to an oil spill from a ruptured pipeline, suspending Oriente crude exports. Approximately 500,000 people are affected, particularly in drinking water supply. An environmental emergency has been declared, emphasizing the crisis’s impact on local ecosystems and communities reliant on river resources for their survival.
Ecuador’s state-owned oil company, Petroecuador, has declared a ‘force majeure’ emergency following a significant oil spill caused by a landslide that ruptured a major pipeline. The spill, which occurred in the northwest region, has adversely impacted several rivers, leaving hundreds of thousands without access to potable water. Consequently, Petroecuador announced a suspension of Oriente crude exports, relying on the force majeure clause to protect itself from potential penalties and contract violations.
The emergency declaration is expected to last no longer than 60 days, aiming to mobilize all necessary resources to mitigate the impact on hydrocarbon activities, including exploration and transportation. Mayor Vicko Villacis reported that approximately half a million residents are affected, with an estimated 200,000 barrels of oil spilled into the waterways. Petroecuador is utilizing tanker trucks to recover the crude from affected areas and has arranged for three ships to deliver drinking water to the region.
Additionally, the Ecuadorian government has declared an environmental emergency in Esmeraldas province, a key area housing a wildlife refuge with over 250 species. Ecuador, which produced about 475,000 barrels of oil daily in 2024, heavily relies on its oil exports. The damaged pipeline is part of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System, capable of transporting significant oil volumes. Marine biologist Eduardo Rebolledo highlighted the dire situation, noting the lack of life forms in the contaminated rivers, indicating a severe environmental crisis that could impact local communities reliant on these water sources.
In Rocafuerte, a nearby fishing village, residents expressed their concerns about the long-term effects of the spill. Local fishermen have reported that their equipment has become contaminated with oil, raising fears about their livelihoods and the sustainability of fishing activities in the region. If the situation persists, they warn of an impending crisis that could cripple their ability to fish in the future.
The declaration of a ‘force majeure’ emergency by Petroecuador underscores the serious ramifications of the pipeline rupture and subsequent oil spill on the environment and local communities in Ecuador. The halt in crude exports reflects the company’s efforts to manage the crisis while safeguarding against contractual repercussions. With substantial adverse effects on drinking water availability and environmental health, the situation raises critical concerns about the future livelihoods of affected residents and the ecological balance in Esmeraldas.
Original Source: www.france24.com
