Colombia faces potential power rationing and fuel shortages as El Niño intensifies

The public utility Emcali warned that the city of Cali could experience electricity rationing if the El Niño phenomenon continues to raise temperatures and reduce water resources, which would strain power generation. Emcali’s general manager Roger Mina called for citizens to adopt energy‑saving habits such as turning off unused equipment and using natural light to help avoid possible blackouts.

The Colombian Petroleum and Gas Association (ACP) issued a national alert, saying that without urgent actions to strengthen fuel supply and adjust fuel policy, Colombia could face serious liquid‑fuel shortages. The report highlighted that diesel could provide up to 9 % of the country’s electricity in a severe drought, potentially increasing demand by about 30 % and requiring greater import capacity. ACP also warned about the financial stability of the Fuel Price Stabilization Fund, aging infrastructure, and growing reliance on imports, urging immediate investment in storage, pipelines and sustainable mobility options.