Block 16 production remains above 13,500 barrels, despite Waorani stoppage

EP Petroecuador reports that the production of Blocks 16 and 67, located in the province of Orellana, whose operation was assumed by the state company on the 1st. January 2023, it registers to date an average daily volume of 13,513 barrels of crude oil and 650 barrels of crude oil equivalent. In this way, the production figure remains at the levels at which it received from the Petrolia company (formerly Repsol) that ended its contract on December 31, 2022.

This, despite the fact that the de facto measure carried out by the Waorani Dicaro community continues, who claim a series of perks and do not allow the entry by land of workers or supplies for the oil operation.

According to the communication from Petroecuador, the operation began in the midst of a strike led by the Waorani community of Dicaro since December 25, 2022, as a result of which land access to our main processing station (SPF) was closed. has been interrupted. EP Petroecuador said that faced with this problem, it has implemented an air logistics plan for personnel, materials and equipment, in order to guarantee the continuity of the operation and maintain production volumes within the expected range.

The company stressed that once the reversion of both blocks is executed, the income generated from the sale of oil enters directly into the accounts of the Ecuadorian State. The company also explained that the type of crude oil obtained in this area is heavy, which is why it is transported through the Heavy Crude Oil Pipeline (OCP).

“We reiterate that EP Petroecuador applies the principles of support for communities, in accordance with its Community Relations policy and plans, while complying with high environmental and industrial safety standards in its operations,” the company said.

However, from what is known, the paralysis does not subside. In a video posted by Alejandro Labaka Foundation, It shows the indigenous people who assure that they remain firm in the protest and that it does not affect them. They assure that they await a response from the Minister of Energy and the manager of Petroecuador.

A few days ago it became known that the Waorani indigenous people sent a letter with monetary requests that, according to the Minister of Energy, Fernando Santos, would be “a little out of place”. Among the requests are the monthly payment of $1,200 from Petroecuador to each of the workers of the Waorani community for right of way, food and transportation; a payment of $25,000 for the death of a member of the community; coverage of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS) for all Woaorani families, a semi-annual bonus of $1,000 to single mothers and $2,000 to families in the community -also every six months-.