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Little or no information on biodiversity in Colombia’s offshore blocks and lack of a clear regulatory framework for offshore are two of the issues that are getting more attention following two offshore discoveries made by Ecopetrol over the last year.

An ambitious project underway to make the Magdalena River navigable for large cargo convoys has the government promoting it for its general economic benefit. But the project does have its naysayers, who point to the long term environmental impact and question how much it will improve life in villages along Colombia’s longest river.

A decision to freeze royalty funds after the fall in oil prices has the Finance Ministry at odds with departmental leaders, who want the funds to move forward with regional projects.

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.