The country’s oil production fell by 28,899 barrels between September 27 and October 1 following a de facto measure implemented by communities surrounding the Auca field, Block 61.

According to Petroecuador data, oil production in the aforementioned block on September 27 was 78,971 barrels per day, on September 30 it was 61,065 barrels per day, while on October 1 it fell to 50,072 barrels. This was also reflected in the total national production, which includes the activity of state enterprises and private enterprises. Thus, on September 27, Petroecuador’s total production was 406,241 barrels (including equivalent barrels), and on October 1, it was 377,765 barrels.

The problem of falling oil occurs precisely when the price of crude oil is on the rise, which means a bigger blow to the fiscal coffers due to the problem of opportunity costs. The price of WTI crude oil, the brand of Ecuadorian crude oil, was at $88.73 on October 2.

On that topic, EP Petroecuador reported that as of Thursday, September 28, operational activities in block 61, Auca, were affected by the closure of the Coca Auca Tigüino road by the residents of that sector. The Auca block, although owned by Petroecuador, is currently managed by Schlumberger.

The protesting communities are demanding that road conditions and connectivity be improved by rebuilding bridges in the area. The reason for the protest would be the fatal accident reported by ECU911 on September 27. On that day, a bus overturned in the Tiputini sector, in the canton of Orellana, at the 55th km of the El Auca road.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Works released a statement of solidarity with the families of those killed and injured in the traffic accident that occurred on the Auca – Dayuma highway in the parish of Dayuma, province of Orellana. “We are taking actions together with our related entities,” he said. The Ministry was thinking of contracting the construction of six bridges, which is in the process.

The community, on the other hand, continued with the de facto measure, which, according to the oil company, “prevents the entry and exit of fuel tankers for power generation centers, delivery of supplies and tools, along with drilling equipment, well renovation, which prevents the normal maintenance of oil facilities, which affects oil production.”

Petroecuador also pointed out that the demands of the residents are not the responsibility of the public company and are outside the activities inherent in the Community Relations program.

Once the external issues are resolved, EP Petroecuador will implement the appropriate technical procedures to resume production before the roadblock, which represents 100% compliance with the ministry’s official estimates, the company said.