Diesel shortage due to pipeline damage

Local fuel distributors in Cuenca are facing challenges in bringing diesel from the coast due to pipeline damage. Stations were closed on November 26th as they had no diesel to sell. The problem started the previous week with a progressive reduction in diesel supply, followed by an announcement from Petroecuador that distribution from the Challuabamba terminal was suspended due to damage from four "pinchazos" (punctures) on the pipeline between Pascuales and La Troncal, causing contamination of the fuel.

Local distributors are asked to bring diesel using tanker trucks from the terminals in La Troncal (Cañar) and Pascuales (Guayas). However, high transportation costs are affecting the economic feasibility of this solution, as tanker operators face losses due to the high freight costs and low profit margins. Additionally, there is a shortage of suitable tanker trucks for the journey, as most are too small or too old.

Some stations, like the Sindicato de Choferes, are able to send their own tankers, but the fuel runs out quickly due to high demand. The Azuay Fuel Distributors Association has proposed that the government cover freight costs until the situation normalizes.

The governor of Azuay, Santiago Malo, has stated that the diesel shortage is not due to lack of supply but technical distribution issues, and the government is working on finding solutions. However, many stations in Cuenca remain without diesel, with some waiting for the situation to be resolved.