The oil production fell to 50.2% due to the forced closure of oil wells that was carried out these days, due to the impossibility of pumping crude oil through two oil pipelines in the country: the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline (SOTE) and the Heavy Oil Pipeline (OCP).

While on February 20, production was underway 484,489 barrels per day, of which 393,035 barrels correspond to the production of Petroecuador, and 91,545 barrels to private production, For this February 26, the total production of 243,678 barrels, of which 186,373 barrels produced by Petroecuador, and 68,404 produced by private companies.

The Pumping was interrupted on February 22 after heavy rains caused flooding of the Marker River, which ended up undermining the foundations of this river and causing the bridge to collapse. in the El Reventador area. This also affected the bases where the channel supports were located. Given the problem, it was decided to stop pumping to control possible environmental damage, in the event of a rupture, which fortunately did not happen. From Friday to Sunday, they worked on the release of oil and fuel from the pipeline.

This was reported by Petroecuador this Monday that the works in the Marker river have progress of 87%. As reported Rafael Armendáriz, transportation manager. In addition, it was indicated that “preventive works were carried out in the area in 2020. This air bridge was completed in April 2022”. As Armendáriz indicated, despite the current accident, preventive actions were taken to avoid contamination. Pumping has therefore been suspended in accordance with infrastructure security protocols. Armendáriz said they hope to finish the work today. There is still no clear date for the resumption of pumping.

When that happens, then the company will be able to turn the wells back on and restore daily production levels.