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Comments that the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) will face a readjustment of its budget has led to concern from observers who say this could further impact a sector that is already suffering and combines poorly with the fall in exploration.

The Colombian government’s chief negotiator in Havana Humberto de la Calle came forward with a strong statement that the talks are moving forward in Havana, and even put a time-frame on an agreement.

After repeated increases, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) said that diesel prices will fall to CoP$7756 (US$2.66) a gallon in Bogotá, a CoP$117 or 1.4% drop. Gasoline prices however will increase.

The Minister of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) Tomás González attended a recent summit organized by Bloomberg to reinforce the strategic position of the oil industry and that despite what has been said, everything is going well.

After royalty revenues dropped less than expected, Delegates of the National Federation of Departments met with the Minister of Finance to release royalty resources, meanwhile a new royalty spending transparency tool has been released. These and other stories in our periodic roundup.

The Minister of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) Tomas González said that its PIPE2 plan is already keeping investment in Colombia and production above a million barrels a day.

The Superior Tribunal of Pasto (Nariño) has ruled in favor of a Putumayo based indigenous association (ACIMVIO) and ruled against a prior decision from Interior Ministry to not certify the presence of the Inga group in an area of influence for a Gran Tierra Energy (TSX:GTE) exploration project.

Designed to boost the government’s fiscal income, the November 2014 tax reform and resulting increase in the CREE surcharge has created a strong disincentive for investment that will end up causing much more harm to state finances, says the Colombian Chamber of Oil Goods and Services (Campetrol).

The Ministry of Environment (MinAmbiente) led by its Minister Gabriel Vallejo López and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos held a review of its performance over the last five years and laid out goals for the next three, but had nothing to say on the issue of environmental licenses.

Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) met with representatives from the gasoline and fuel supply chain who called for a frank look at how the Ministry’s formula sets prices each month.