Extensive blackout in Venezuela. Government on opposition's “sabotage”

The rulers in Venezuela Nicolas Maduro, who the opposition says rigged the recent presidential election, has frequently accused political opponents of “attacks” on the electricity grid. The opposition denies the accusations.

“We have once again fallen victim to electrical sabotage,” Nanez said Friday morning, without providing evidence for his claim.

Several hours later, power supplies began to be restored, including in some areas of the capital, Caracas, as well as the cities of Maracaibo, Valencia, and Puerto Ordaz, Reuters reported, citing local sources.

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello told state television that power would be restored gradually, starting in Caracas.

The blackout disrupted operations of state oil giant PDVSA, including its largest tanker terminal in Puerto Jose, through which about 70 percent of Venezuelan oil exports pass, Reuters reported.

Residents have been stockpiling fuel and food in response to the power outage. Alexa Rivas, a resident of the western city of Barquisimeto, told Reuters that lines of vehicles stretched five kilometres (3 miles) outside petrol stations there.

Caracas authorities have declared Maduro the winner of the July 28 presidential election, but have not provided evidence of voting records. The opposition has released records suggesting that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won by an overwhelming majority.

READ MORE: Nicolas Maduro Claims He Won the Elections: Protests Erupt in Venezuela

After the elections, protests broke out in the country, which were brutally suppressed by the police. According to official data, at least 27 people died during the protests, and about 2,400 were detained.