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Last year was difficult for the sector because of the continued oil price decline. The industry had to adapt to this environment and learn to operate with the lowest price in 12 years.

Luz Stella Murgas had senior leadership responsibilities in the ANH during the critical period when oil prices started to slide. As such she was involved in many of the initiatives designed to mitigate the impact of the disminution of exploratory activities, production and reserves.

Last December we played ‘Casandra’ and warned not to get too excited by the boost that Brent (and to a less extent WTI) received from an OPEC agreement to reduce production.

The Coveñas / Caño Limón (CCL) pipeline has been affected by multiple attacks this year despite the peace process with the ELN. Ecopetrol (NYSE: EC) reported a new attack on this important asset.

The Union asked the Attorney General to investigate threats to social leaders that have denounced alleged criminal activities by the mining industry in Colombia, and rejected the latest attack to the Coveñas-Caño Limon pipeline in Norte de Santander.

Attorney General Nestor Humberto Martinez said that the first indictments for the Reficar case are ready. He called the ‘scandal’ “the biggest misappropriation of public funds in the history of Colombia.”