We have not published our ‘Fracker Tracker’ since early December when news of ExxonMobil’s (NYSE:XOM) application for permission to frack and the signing of an unconventional contract with ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) and Canacol (TSX:CNE) had pushed positive press reports to heights not seen for some time. However, this positive press has melted away as the graph shows.
The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) held a rendition of accounts at the end of 2015 and highlighted the actions of the authorities to adapt to the mounting challenges facing the industry. For 2016 though, its president Mauricio De la Mora said he expects things to be tough and that this is now the new normal.
The UK government, through its Colombian Ambassador, signed an agreement with the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) to cooperate on matters involving offshore extraction, as part of the government’s strategy to add new reserves from its offshore blocks.
The government’s sale of its stake in electrical energy generator Isagen shows that its strategy of selling off important national assets is moving forward, says the USO, warning that Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) will be the next on the list, so the union is calling for national protests.
The National Hydrocarbons Agency has canceled three contracts with Optima Oil and Range Resources for not meeting their contractual obligations and supplying inadequate letters of credit as a guarantee.
The National Planning Department has temporarily suspended royalty payments to 127 municipalities in 25 departments for not supplying information on the advance of royalty projects according to established timeframes. This and other stories on royalties in our periodic summary.
The government announced that fuel prices for January 2016 would increase slightly for gasoline and drop slightly for diesel. But five days later the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) said that shortages of ethanol have forced it to adjust the mixture, and also the price. Fuel distributors allege that this has caused them losses.
The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) issued a decree (N°2345 of December 2015) that looks to increase the reliability and supply of natural gas in the country and address a lack of infrastructure.
The Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) president Francisco José Lloreda has again called on the government to offer new fiscal terms that would allow the industry in Colombia to be more competitive.
Senate President Luis Fernando Velasco has called on the government to eliminate the fuel tax to benefit the average consumer, while an expert panel convened to study the matter has recommended doubling it.