News and AnalysIs for

The reopened debate about fracking in Colombia reminded me, once again, that we live in a world where nothing is true.

The oil crisis affected Colombia’s public finances in recent years, but crude prices have recently recovered. This situation has returned to generate optimism in the public sector, especially for the economic benefits that this may represent.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC), the Attorney General’s Office, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas), the Ministry of Environment (MinAmbiente) and Medellin’s Mayor’s Office signed a pact to improve the city’s air quality.

Surtidora de Gas del Caribe (Surtigas) has managed to grow its operations in the country, especially on the Caribbean coast. The company completed 50 years of operations in Colombia with excellent results.

The government confirmed that royalties’ resources for producing regions will considerably increase next year, compared to the 2017-2018 period. These and other stories in our periodic Royalties summary.

The Propane Distribution Association (Gasnova) published figures on the consumption of this fuel and sales index by department in Colombia. Alejandro Martínez, President of Gasnova, highlighted the growth in propane consumption in some regions of the country.

Better oil prices will benefit the country’s finances, but will not change the government’s plan to maintain an austerity policy, said María Fernanda Suárez, Minister of Mines and Energy (MinMinas).

The increase in oil prices in recent months can generate several benefits in financial terms for the country. However, public finances will not be the only beneficiaries of this new price environment, as some believe it could boost several key infrastructure projects for the Colombian oil sector, such as the Bicentenario pipeline expansion.

The Siona de Buenavista Indigenous Community, located on the banks of the Putumayo River, denounced that Amerisur is allegedly polluting its water sources with the development of its Platanillo field.

Amerisur Resources (LON: AMER) announced its exploration plans in the block Platanillo, located in the Putumayo basin. The company is optimistic about the potential results from this important area.