Venezuela water crisis leaves millions scrambling for bottled water

Approximately three million Venezuelans are struggling to obtain tap water as the national supply system operates with only about 37% of the fuel required for its pumps. In the capital, up to 70% of water destined for consumers is lost through cracked pipelines, and frequent electricity outages halt many pumping stations.

The shortage has given rise to an informal water market: private tankers sell water at cost, while many households transport it themselves. The crisis deepened after Venezuela suspended oil exports, its main fuel source, following United States sanctions. Resident Mirella Martínez described the new reality: “We count every litre. I make the trip three times a day, even though I am a pensioner.”