News and AnalysIs for

We have changed to a monthly graph since counts have dropped so much that we are only reporting that frequently. Today, it looks like counts will stay low for a few months anyway.

There have been eight consecutive months with production below the coveted million barrels a day mark. While the fall in oil prices is a principal factor, it is just one of the reasons for this fall from grace, which has left its mark on public finances.

President Juan Manuel Santos and Farc commander Rodrigo Londoño alias ‘Timochenko’ signed the peace agreement in a historic session in Cartagena. Now the deal must be approved in a crucial plebiscite this Sunday, October 2^nd.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy (MinMinas) said the second phase of its joint program with the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) to reduce community conflict, the “Territorial Strategy” (ETH), has consolidated its second phase. The ministry shared results thus far in 2016,

As President Juan Manuel Santos addressed the UN general assembly saying “there is one less war on this planet”, a recent survey found that the “yes” votes are leading, but there is still plenty of skepticism on the process.

In a contrast to the largely positive coverage of the “end of the war” from international press, there is at least one report pointing out that things could get more difficult for the industry in the post conflict era.

The countdown to the September 26^th signing and October 2^nd, and proposals abound for the public figures behind the “yes” and “no” campaign to meet in a dialogue, or even a public debate.

Looking to end a surge of strikes in Putumayo, the Ministry of Environment (MinAmbiente) said it will lead in creating an “inter-institutional committee” for the department. The ministry said it was to deal with “inadequate hydrocarbons practices,” but its statement talked exclusively about illicit crop eradication.

The formal date for the signing of the peace agreement has been set for September 26^th, days ahead of the scheduled October 2 plebiscite. The signing ceremony will take place in Cartagena. Meanwhile the Farc have suspended a conference to discuss the agreement within their ranks.

The Minister of Mines and Energy Germán Arce warned that there is a potential that groups with interests in illicit activities have taken to industry blockades negotiate specific demands, and these should not be confused with traditional anti-oil protests.