Bogotá is at a standstill Wednesday as hundreds of workers from Colombia’s sugarcane and palm oil industries continue to protest in front of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, demanding government guarantees for the nation’s biofuel production. The demonstrations, which began in the early hours of February 18, 2026, have effectively blocked access to the ministry, disrupting operations and escalating tensions over the future of the sector. This ongoing protest highlights growing concerns among workers about the viability of domestic biofuel industries in the face of economic pressures and import competition.
The protest is spearheaded by Colombia’s major labor federations – the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), the Confederation of Workers of Colombia (CTC), and the Single Workers’ Central of Colombia (CUT) – representing over 200 workers from the sugarcane and palm oil sectors. Workers are voicing fears that the government is prioritizing imported biofuels over domestically produced ethanol and biodiesel, threatening jobs and undermining the country’s efforts to develop alternative energy sources. According to El Tiempo, the demonstrators hail from the departments of Cauca, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca.
Demands for a National Dialogue
Central to the workers’ demands is a formal meeting – a “mesa de concertación” – with the Ministry of Mines and Energy to address the issues plaguing the biofuel industry. Alberto Guzmán, the CGT’s national vice president, stated firmly, “De aquí no nos vamos a mover” (“We are not leaving from here”), signaling the protesters’ determination to remain until their concerns are addressed. The core of the dispute revolves around ensuring a stable supply of domestically produced ethanol and biodiesel, and preventing what unions perceive as unfair competition from imports.
The situation is further complicated by reports of challenges facing sugarcane farmers, including the invasion of approximately 5,000 hectares of land by armed groups and instances of extortion, as reported by El Tiempo. These factors, combined with adverse weather conditions, are exacerbating the economic difficulties faced by workers in the sector.
Government Response and Negotiations
In response to the escalating protests, the government has initiated talks with representatives from the sugarcane and palm oil industries. Caracol Radio reports that the Ministry of Mines and Energy has established dialogue tables with workers to address their concerns. Though, protesters remain steadfast in their demand for concrete solutions and assurances that their livelihoods will be protected.
The unions have announced a work stoppage for February 18th and 19th as part of the protest, further disrupting the biofuel supply chain. El Colombiano indicates that protesters are prepared to maintain their presence at the ministry until a satisfactory resolution is reached.
Concerns Over Ethanol Supply
Adding to the urgency, Blu Radio reports growing concerns about the potential for disruptions to the ethanol supply, warning that contracts could be terminated if a resolution isn’t found quickly. This adds another layer of pressure on the government to address the protesters’ demands and ensure the stability of the biofuel sector.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as negotiations continue. The government’s response and the outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining the future of Colombia’s biofuel industry and the livelihoods of thousands of workers. Updates on the situation can be found on the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s website and through local news outlets.
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