News and AnalysIs for

With better oil prices, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) is ready for new rounds to capitalize on the contractual changes that were made in difficult times.

The National Authority of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) made a decision on a modification to the environmental license for the construction and operation of Punta Voladero’s (Santa Marta) loading and unloading supplies terminal.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) and Hocol spoke about the measures they had to take to control environmental emergencies in Norte de Santander and Tolima. The development of these and more stories in our periodic Eco summary.

The Colombian oil sector continues to look for alternatives to guarantee energy self-sufficiency in the long term. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is positioned as the main option, but it is not free from controversy. Ecpetrol’s (NYSE:EC) CEO, Felipe Bayón, spoke on this topic.

The National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) revoked the NOC’s Environmental License for the Llanos 38Block. Social leaders and Saravena’s Court spoke on the subject.

The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) is preparing a new oil round in April of this year. The Agency revealed the companies that have shown interest in this new tender.

The union referred to Ecopetrol’s (NYSE:EC) management decision to suspend contracts in the department.

A few weeks ago, the ACP published a study on operating costs, which we thought would be of considerable interest to our readers. The Association has graciously given us permission to translate it to English and publish.

Last week there was a minor flurry about an American thinktank putting Colombia on a list of ‘risky’ spots for petroleum investments. Timely, considering our article tying to quantify ‘risk’ which was really quantifying ‘impact’. I think it was overdone, but it still got me thinking about what risks are the most relevant.

Getting an environmental license is one of the challenges that oil companies must overcome to develop their plans. The National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) has been quiet over the past several months, but recently published a decision concerning a project of Hocol S.A.