Venezuela experienced a significant power outage early on August 30, affecting Caracas and nearly the entire nation, including critical infrastructure such as the Jose oil terminal, the country’s largest. The blackout disrupted key operations, including the Caracas metro system, which was replaced by over 250 buses to manage transportation needs.

The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, quickly attributed the blackout to sabotage by political opponents, a claim frequently made during national crises. Al Jazeera News reported that Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello reiterated this accusation on state television, assuring the public that power restoration efforts were underway, starting with the capital. Although he provided no evidence to support the sabotage claim, Cabello stated, “It [power] will begin arriving little by little nationally, with security protocols.”

While the government insists on blaming these outages on external attacks, critics and energy experts contend that Venezuela’s persistent power issues stem from systemic infrastructure failures. According to Reuters, the blackout also disrupted operations at the state oil company P.D.V.S.A., halting loading and discharging at the Jose terminal. This facility, which handles about 70% of Venezuela’s oil exports, lacks an independent power system, making such interruptions particularly damaging.

Power outages are not uncommon in Venezuela, but they are typically localized. The country suffered three nationwide blackouts in 2019, some lasting up to three days. As with the current outage, the government attributed those incidents to sabotage. However, independent analyses often highlight poor maintenance and mismanagement of Venezuela’s hydroelectric infrastructure as the primary causes.

This latest blackout comes amid heightened political tension following a disputed presidential election on July 28, with both the government and opposition claiming victory(For more detailed information, visit our Crisis Index page). The unstable political environment further complicates efforts to address the country’s energy crisis.

As Venezuela grapples with recurring blackouts, the government’s narrative of sabotage underscores the deepening political and economic challenges facing the nation. While authorities work to restore electricity, the broader issue of Venezuela’s deteriorating infrastructure remains unresolved. The ongoing blackouts exacerbate the daily challenges for Venezuelans and highlight the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the country’s energy crisis. Meanwhile, the political tension surrounding the recent election only adds to the instability, with the government and opposition locked in a bitter dispute over the future direction of the nation.