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The National Planning Department (DNP) spoke about what has been achieved during its first 100 days working with the new government.

Gas Natural Fenosa changed its name to Vanti recently and the company has big plans for the natural gas sector in Colombia. Rodolfo Anaya Abello, President of Vanti, spoke about the firm’s goals and expectations in Colombia.

The union spoke about Ecopetrol’s (NYSE:EC) hierarchy, which was supposedly created without their consent.

On paper, Colombia has about 11 years of gas reserves. But the production forecast shows shortfalls occurring very shortly. Getting investors to search for domestic gas should be a regulatory priority but a better gas netback would also help their decisions.

This week we have a thoughtful (and beautifully written) reflection by Luis Pacheco on the great controversy of our industry: the struggle to find a balance between development and conservation. MinAmbiente Ricardo Lozano’s set phrase – produce while conserving and conserve while producing – sounds great but reality is far more complex as Luis shows us here.

Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) has big plans for the refining sector in Colombia. The company announced the creation of its Integrated Refining System (SIR) to improve its operations in this industry.

Frontera Energy’s (TSE: FEC) CEO, Richard Herbert, spoke about the firm’s main challenges and plans in Colombia.

The Colombian oil sector has faced times of great legal uncertainty in recent years due to the boom in anti-oil referendums. Many communities have spoken out against the development of oil activities in their territories. However, a case in favor of the industry happened in the municipality of Ortega in the department of Tolima.

Senator Maritza Martínez (U Party) complained about the department’s high tolls and fuel prices, and has a proposal to fix the issue.

Maria Fernanda Suarez, Minister of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) had an interview with Maricel Johanna Casallas, environmentalist of the municipality of Valledupar (Cesar). They talked about key issues such as oil and gas reserves, pollution and unconventional techniques.