News and AnalysIs for

Ocensa, Repsol (MSE: REP) and Equion updated on the development of successful social investment projects in their areas of influence. These and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stories in our periodic summary.

Ecopetrol’s (NYSE: EC) reported its exports metrics for the second quarter of 2018. ECP export distribution is changing, but the United States remains as the principal destination of Colombian crude. The company reported a decrease in this metric compared to previous year, but it increased compared to 1Q18.

Much recent political and media activity surrounded a referendum asking Colombians to vote on seven proposals thought to control corruption. The vote was held yesterday and while it failed to achieve the necessary number of votes to be legally binding, participation was significant and so could impact the broader political landscape.

Colombia’s Natural Gas Association (Naturgas) continued its campaign to promote the use of VNG in the country. Industry experts, however, questioned the viability of the Association’s proposal.

The union gave an update on its perception of the negotiations with Mansarovar Energy and threatening to strike.

This graffiti adorns a 20-meter wall on Bogotá’s busy Septima (Carrera 7 / 7^Th Avenue) in the heart of the capital’s elite neighborhood. It is virtually impossible that politicians, media types and other opinion leaders have not seen it or will not see it over the coming weeks. The inauguration of President Iván Duque has certainly reignited the debate over unconventional technologies.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) reported oil and gas production figures for July 2018. Crude increased slightly compared to the same period of last year, and gas showed positive behavior as well.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) took a decision on the Short-Term Natural Gas Supply Plan. The entity published the proposed document again.

During the first semester of 2018, the industry generated 31% more job opportunities in the Middle Magdalena area, compared to the same period last year.

The government announced that the savannas of Cinaruco (Arauca) are now part of the list of protected areas in Colombia. The development of these and more stories in our periodic Eco summary.