The USO continued to cash in on the general strike which has congested Colombian transit since August 19. Union members from across the country joined the strike last Wednesday, August 28.
The national strike is into its third week and there are several signs of progress at the negotiating table. However, roads still remain blocked and the first official confirmations that oil production has taken a hit reached the newswire.
Incidents near areas of interest to the oil and gas industry were down this week to 27 below recent long-term averages. This was a significantly average week for non-armed forces reported/guerrilla-initiated incidents. Unsurprisingly our 4-week Moving Average incident count dropped to 19.8 and the 52 week average dropped as well to 36.9 incidents per week. But none of this the most important story.
The interview with Meta Governor Alan Jara in this month’s issue makes clear the challenges of royalty reform for producer communities.
Although there is a transition, the impact on local finances has been devastating.
The head of the National Environmental Licensing Agency (ANLA), Luz Helena Sarmiento, has a self-deprecating sense of humor. She once opened a presentation to the oil and gas industry saying “I know I am your worst nightmare”.
Alan Jara is the governor of the department of Meta which produces 50% of Colombia’s oil. He is a well-respected administrator on his third tour as governor.
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