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Last week, the oil sector welcomed the announcement by the government and the ELN to agree on a bilateral ceasefire. USO spoke about this subject.

The National Army presented a positive report on operations to fight this crime in the departments of Arauca, Norte de Santander and Nariño. The development of these and other stories in our periodic Security summary.

The oil industry has suffered enough because of the constant attacks by the ELN. A cease-fire is great news for this sector, as it would mean a great relief for oil firms, at least while it lasts.

Attacks on the Caño Limon-Conveñas pipeline affect the environment, Colombian production, Colombia’s tax revenues and the returns of shareholders in companies which depend on this infrastructure. Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) reported a new attack on this facility.

Army forces and the Fiscal and Customs Police (Polfa) gave a report on their operations throughout Colombia to fight oil theft. The development of these and other stories in our periodic Security summary.

The National Environmental Licensing Authority (ANLA) ruled on a request from the oil company Maurel & Prom to carry out exploration activities in the country.

Authorities reported their concern after revealing fuel smuggling figures for the departments of Santander and Norte de Santander. More than 3,000 gallons of stolen fuel were seized in the municipalities of Catatumbo and Cucuta in Norte de Santander, and Arauquita in Arauca. The development of these and other stories in our periodic Security Summary.

Prior consultations have created legal uncertainty in Colombia, as they have affected many investment projects and the development of several sectors in the country. The government wants to legislate a solution to this problem.

The president of the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP), Francisco José Lloreda, spoke about the negative effect that popular consultations have had on the industry’s performance in Colombia.

The boom of anti-oil and mining referendums continues to grow around Colombia. There is a new committee to carry out a referendum to approve or reject extractive projects in an important municipality of the Putumayo.