How Immigrant Shops Became Lifelines During Lisbon's Power Outage

A Day of Unexpected Profit

On April 28th, Lisbon faced a massive blackout, leaving many shops in the dark. However, immigrant-run convenience stores, often referred to as 'Indian' and 'Chinese' shops, remained open, serving as vital sources of supplies for residents in need.

Despite language barriers, shopkeepers worked tirelessly to meet the demands of customers flocking to purchase unusual items like battery-operated radios—the only means of receiving news during the internet collapse.

In Morais Soares street, immigrant shops kept their doors open during Lisbon's blackout. Photo: Frederico Raposo.

Immigrant Resilience

As major retailers closed their doors due to safety concerns, immigrant shopkeepers took on the challenge. Many locals turned to these stores for essentials like non-perishable food and safety items. Inderjeet Singh, a shopkeeper from Punjab, was astonished by the surge in sales, noting that his stock of radios sold out quickly.

Hardeep, another shopkeeper, reported selling 15 radios and 20 portable chargers in one day. The rush was echoed across similar stores in Lisbon, with little understanding of the sudden demand for radios, which became essential for staying informed.

Portable radios were the most sought-after items in shops during the outage. Photo: Frederico Raposo.

Community Need Amid Confusion

The Benformoso street saw a dramatic increase in radio sales, with shopkeeper Vinit Bhagvandas noting he sold 18 radios, mostly to young customers eager to listen to news updates. The demand for emergency supplies surged as many feared the blackout would last longer than anticipated.

In Alvalade, Babou Khan's store doubled its daily earnings, selling out of water, eggs, milk, and other essentials as nearby supermarkets remained closed.

Fear and Safety Concerns

While some shops thrived, others chose to close early due to safety fears. The Pali Baba grocery store shuttered despite high demand, prioritizing safety over profit. Rozana Pinto, manager of the Made in Brazil store, explained that they closed their doors fearing theft, highlighting the tension in the community.

The traditional Pali Baba grocery closed early due to security concerns. Photo: Frederico Raposo.

A Unique Day in Lisbon

As the blackout unfolded, fears of war and invasion circulated among residents. Pajinder Kumar, an immigrant, initially thought the blackout signaled a Russian invasion. It wasn't until late that evening that power was restored and calm returned to the streets.

Despite the chaos, the immigrant community played a crucial role in keeping Lisbon supplied and informed during a challenging day, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Immigrant shops ensured the community remained supplied and informed during the blackout. Photo: Frederico Raposo.