2024-09-02 18:37:33
Following the takeover of the Gibraltar gas plant by members of the local indigenous community, Ecopetrol has implemented a contingency plan.
Ecopetrol has implemented a contingency plan to guarantee the supply of natural gas in the northeast of the country, following the takeover of the Gibraltar gas plant by members of the local indigenous community. The situation forced the company to temporarily shut down the plant, which has interrupted the dispatch of 37 million cubic feet of gas per day through the Promioriente gas pipeline, affecting approximately 280,000 residential users, 6,000 commercial establishments and 55 industries in the departments of Santander and Norte de Santander, including the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga.
Given the seriousness of the situation, Ecopetrol and the gas distributors in the region confirmed the existence of sufficient volumes to ensure supply in the coming days. Despite the impact on the infrastructure, the company has taken all necessary measures to minimize the repercussions on users, maintaining close coordination with the companies providing the service in the region.
Importance of dialogue
In an official statement, Ecopetrol stressed the importance of dialogue as the main mechanism for resolving conflicts in the territories and reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion and respect of human rights. “We invite all parties to strengthen dialogue and avoid situations that put the well-being of communities and the energy security of the region at risk,” the company said.
The blockade of the Gibraltar plant adds to a series of public order problems that have affected the oil infrastructure in the department of Arauca, which have also had repercussions on the supply of gas in the northeast of the country. On August 29, 2024, Ecopetrol warned of possible restrictions on the supply of gas due to these conflicts.
You may be interested in: Cotelco announced a drop in hotel occupancy in Huila in San Pedro
Attacks
The Colombian Oil and Gas Association (ACP) strongly condemned the violent acts perpetrated by illegal armed groups in Arauca, highlighting the serious consequences for the security and well-being of local communities, as well as for Colombia’s energy security. “The attacks against the infrastructure of the energy sector not only affect the provision of essential public services, but also put at risk the stability and development of operations in the region,” the ACP said in a statement.
In addition, the ACP recalled that so far in 2024, Arauca has been the scene of multiple acts of violence, including the murder of four social leaders, eight attacks on oil pipelines and an attack on a Police Immediate Action Command (CAI). These events, according to the union, constitute clear violations of human rights and underline the urgent need to strengthen the institutional presence and protection of the civilian population.
The situation in Arauca not only has implications for the security of the inhabitants, but also for the viability of operations and investments in the region. During the first half of this year, the department has produced an average of 58 thousand barrels of oil per day, which represents 7.4% of national production. The continuous attacks and instability in the area endanger not only energy security, but also the socioeconomic development of the territory.
You can read: Starting today, the price of Diesel goes up $1.904 per gallon