News and AnalysIs for

Even though theCollegiate Body for Administration and Decision (OCAD) approved projects in Putumayo, Bolívar and Huila, the National Planning Department (DNP) warned about projects being at risk due to significant delays. These and other stories in our periodic Royalties summary.

The oil sector in Colombia faces a lot of uncertainty because of social unrest. Those against the industry argue that it does not contribute to rural development, but a study by the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) shows the opposite.

The Canadian Colombian Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) hosted the ‘Regulatory Perspectives for the Energy Mining Sector’ forum. HCC attended the event.

Throughout our brief history we have observed that the ANLA likes to change performance measures with some frequency. Its new one is at least clear but it does not look good for the oil and gas industry.

The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) hosted the second “Colombia and the World of Fracking” workshop in Bogotá. Industry leaders and the National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA) representatives debated the pros and cons of developing fracking in the country.

The Barrancabermeja Refinery received a very important distinction from the specialized company Solomon Associates. The company conducted a benchmarking study among 85% of the world’s refineries.

Oil companies consider that deducting royalties’ payments from their taxes is not a ’loophole’, despite the ruling by the State Council and declarations by politicians.

The sector is concerned about its future and several representatives have shown their interest in implementing new techniques such as fracking in Colombia. This has generated a huge debate in the country, but the government does not take a clear position on the issue

The Council of State ruled a dispute that, according to the plaintiffs, had prevented Colombia from receiving at least CoP$12T in taxes.

The National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA) hosted its2H2016-1H2017 accountability session in Bogotá.