New technologies, off shore drilling and unconventional reserves must be actively harnessed and explored if Colombia is to maintain its oil production above a million barrels a day says Germán Arce, president of the National Hydrocarbons Agency ANH.
The United Nations verified that the highway blockades associated with the agro-workers strike that have paralyzed traffic in many parts of the country have been lifted. The confirmation comes days after an agreement between seven departments and the central government. But already new strikes have been announced.
In Yopal a tanker-truck spilled raw crude while leaving the municipality and the spill reaction team took hours to respond. Instead local firefighters and a team from the Bicentennial Pipeline (OBC) has to intervene to clean up the mess.
Talks to reach an agreement between USO members working for CB&I, the contractor in charge of construction of the expansion of the Cartagena Refinery (Reficar) have faltered and the union has called for a member vote to see if it will hold another general strike or take its case to court.
Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) started the second phase of the socialization process for its Odisea 3D seismic exploration project, holding meetings and environmental workshops in three villages in Casanare. Its seismic exploration in the area has come under fire and been blamed in local press for causing damage to the environment, in particular to rivers.
The mayor of Puerto Rico, in the Caquetá Department, says that Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) is ready to start seismic explorations in the area, bringing oil production to the region. But how will this be received by the community?
The General Royalty System (SGR), through its decision-making body (OCAD) awarded funding to projects on a number of occasions over August. A particular focus was placed on the coffee growing regions, which are at the center of the ongoing national strike. Royalty funds were also addressed by a senator as way to lower fuel prices and offer funds to agricultural sectors as well.
The USO continued to cash in on the general strike which has congested Colombian transit since August 19. Union members from across the country joined the strike last Wednesday, August 28.
The national strike is into its third week and there are several signs of progress at the negotiating table. However, roads still remain blocked and the first official confirmations that oil production has taken a hit reached the newswire.
Colombia’s military intelligence says it has uncovered evidence that the Farc have been repopulating deserted rural area in Meta and Caquetá by placing indigenous groups in the area, a practice that goes back two years.
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