Oil production recovered 93%, once the government lifted the force majeure measure and operations were resumed.
Once the government lifted the force majeure to the oil sector, which was declared due to the affectation of the oil pipelines by the regressive erosion process in the Piedra Fina river, the Minister of Energy Juan Carlos Bermeo announced that on January 6 they were resumed crude oil exports, to meet shipments that were on hold.
“The first export in 2022 will be made for an approximate volume of 720 thousand barrels, in favor of Petrochina, to fulfill the commitments derived from the contract that is maintained with this world oil company,” Bermeo communicated, through a video shared by the General Secretariat of Communication of the Presidency.
In this regard, the general manager of Petroecuador, Ítalo Cedeño, reported that two shipments of 360 thousand barrels of Crudo Napo were shipped through the Heavy Crude Oil Pipeline Terminal (OCP). On Friday crude oil exports through the Balao Maritime Terminal in Esmeraldas will restart, with two shipments of 360 thousand barrels, he said.
The Government lifted the declaration of force majeure of the oil sector
The pumping and transportation of crude oil was reactivated after the completion of the construction of the emerging variants in the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE) and in the Shushufindi-Quito Poliducto, in the province of Napo.
These operations allowed the recovery of 93% of the oil production in relation to the volumes registered before the stoppage of the oil pipelines.
The Minister of Energy and Non-Renewable Natural Resources stated that the approximate figure of 449 thousand barrels per day was reached, of which 436 thousand correspond to Petroecuador and 103 thousand to private companies.
In addition, it was reported that the state oil company and private operators have lit 2,167 wells.
As for the Esmeraldas and Shushufindi refineries, it was indicated that they are at 100% of their crude capacity, while the La Libertad complex will reach its maximum capacity on January 9.
The situation with La Libertad is due to the need to allocate more oil for exports, explained Petroecuador.
Twelve of the thirteen wells of Petroecuador have already resumed operation and increase their production
During the time that the declaration of force majeure lasted, from December 12, 2021 to January 5, 2022, the three refineries received maintenance.
In the case of the company OCP Ecuador, the activity also recovered in its entirety and around 240 thousand barrels have already been transported. (I)
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