The Workers of Petroecuador launched an information campaign through the media to explain why, in their opinion, citizens should vote noregarding the popular consultation involving the onshore crude oil of the ITT block, located both on the periphery and in part of the Yasuní Park.

David Almeida, General Secretary of the National Association of Energy and Oil Workers (Antep) He explained that his organization, which could not sign up for the campaign because the CNE required them to be a confederation, was “resolutely in favor”. Explain the reasons:

The first is that the exploitation that took place at Block 43 ITT showed that the fears that were said about the possible pollution of nature were not true.

It also indicates that the economic impact for the country would be very strong. It explains that from 2017 to 2022, $4.7 billion in profit was realized for the country and this type of resource would stop flowing in the future.

This shows that 1,231.7 million dollars were generated in 2022 alone. He assures that this is the correct figure: 18.7 million barrels were produced in 2022, which at the Napo crude oil price of $82.71 represents $1,546.7 million in gross revenue. However, operating expenses (Opex) were $89.2 million, while capital expenditures (Capex) were $227 million. The total costs amount to 317 million dollars. In other words, the net income of this block was 1,231.7 million dollars.

Additionally, the loss to the state would be compounded by 1.8 billion dollars have already been invested in the block. For the workers, the costs of removing the infrastructure would reach 2000 million dollars more, and not $567 million as Petroecuador authorities say.

Almeida comments that, on the other hand, there are other sectors of politicians and advocates themselves (Yasunidos) who talk about inaccurate figures and anti-technical arguments.

For example, the numbers that Yasunidos handled are related to forecasts that the company had 10 years ago. He also points out that Yasunidos is making comparisons with the Central Bank’s alleged oil revenue figures, while apparently quoting the oil balance figures (the difference between exports of crude oil and derivatives and imports of derivatives).

The presenter adds that it is not true that Yasuní is in the heart of the park, the heart of the park. “The heart of Yasuní is an intangible zone and it is untouched. It is also not true that the block is in the park because one part is outside, and the other, if found, is outside the buffer zone,” he said.

He also explains that people keep in mind what happened with Texaco, but assures that the production of Petroecuador’s crude oil at ITT was environmentally friendly. Almeida assures that when the situation is explained to people in this way, people understand, which is why he hopes Ne will win the consultation.

When asked about the need for the country to switch to another energy matrix that is no longer oil, due to the environmental impacts that are being created all over the world, he said that if we go towards that issue, above, he assures that oil is important, and not only for transportation , but for plastic, polyester, carbon fiber, among others, which are still in high demand.