Rechargeable power banks, UPS units sell out; High temperature records sets; Fuel shortage could close Manta airport; Work, school suspended October 31

Customers are finding it hard if not impossible to find rechargeable power banks and back-up battery units for computers. “We had trouble meeting the demand before the 14-hour power blackouts and now we have none at all to sell,” says Paul Maldonado, manager of a Quito computer accessories store.

Retailers in other cities report similar shortages.

Despite laws against price gouging, Maldonado says the few available rechargeable batteries that power modems, laptop computers, and back up larger computers, are selling at inflated prices. “The demand is huge, and some sellers are taking advantage of the situation,” he says. “This is sad since many of the people looking for these units cannot afford gasoline generators. They need them for work and they are not available.”

Manta’s Aloy Alfaro Airport lacks the fuel to operate its generators and could face a temporary closure as a result.

Early in the blackouts, Maldonado said, he was selling larger power banks that cost as much at $400. “These could power modems, two or three computers and several lights for several hours, but we are out of these as well as the units that sold for $80 to $150, that kept modems on.”

Maldonado expects a new shipment of power banks early next week but says he has a waiting list and most of them are already sold.

High temperature records sets
Locations across Ecuador are setting high temperature records due to intense sunshine and low humidity. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) reported that Friday was one of the hottest days on record, with temperatures ranging from 37 (99F) degrees in coastal and Amazon areas to 30 (86F) in the sierra.

Among the high temperatures on Friday were: 37.4 degrees at Coca; 29.7 at the Quito International Airport; 27.3 in Riobamba; 28.3 in Ibarra; and 27.4 in Cuenca.

Inamhi says hot conditions will continue until early next week and possibly beyond. It also says that rain chances remain low in the area around the Mazar reservoir in Azuay Province.

Fuel shortage could close Manta airport
The administration of Manta’s Aloy Alfaro Airport say a lack of diesel fuel to power its generators could force a suspension of air service. “We face a disastrous prospect of having to close the airport if we cannot find a reliable supplier of fuel,” said Jimmy Villavicencio, president of the airport board of directors. “We also have a financial crisis since our budget does not include funds for generator fuel.”

Equally concerning, he said, is the lack of generator capacity to power all functions at the airport on an ongoing basis.

Villavicencio claims that the national government should be providing the fuel. “This situation that should be covered by the Civil Aviation (DGAC) authority because of the emergency situation with the power blackouts, but are being told here is no help coming.”

The fuel crisis comes at a “very bad time” for the airport, Villavicencio says. “We have experienced a reduction of air travel customers in and out of Manta as a result of high crime rate and the bad publicity the city has received. More than ever, we need assistance.”

Work and school suspended on October 31
President Daniel Noboa signed decrees Friday suspending work and public school on October 31. The suspension extends the Cuenca Indepenece and Day of the Dead holidays to five days, including the weekend of November 2 and 3. In a statement, Noboa said the extra day off was intended to give Ecuadorians a “more enjoyable holiday” and also to save electricity.

According to provisions of the decrees, public employees will be required to make up lost work hours in the coming weeks while private sector hour make-up will be at the discretion of employers.

Public schools students will also be required to complete all assignments.