Natural gas production exhibited a more pronounced downturn. The commercialized volume averaged 807.5 million cubic feet per day (MPCD) from January to October 2025, a 19.9% drop compared to the 2023–2024 period. October’s gas output was 798 MPCD, down 13.6% year-over-year and 2.0% month-over-month. The decline is compounded by increased gas re-injection volumes in fields, a higher in-field consumption rate, and social factors disrupting operations. Key producing departments—Casanare, Sucre, Córdoba, La Guajira, and Boyacá—accounted for over 88% of October’s gas output, although Casanare alone contracted by 8% annually. Ecopetrol maintained a 71.3% share of gas production, while Canacol, Hocol, Parex, and Clean Energy comprised the remaining major producers. Reduced domestic gas availability has pressured consumer prices, which surged by 11.45% nationally as of November 2025, with spikes exceeding 20% in cities like Tunja, Riohacha, and Bogotá.
Contrary to falling production, drilling activity showed resilience. November 2025 recorded 111 active drilling rigs, a 6.7% increase versus the previous year, split between 30 exploratory and one offshore rig, and 81 rigs focused on well maintenance. The average for January-November was 110 rigs, a 2.9% annual rise. However, drilling gains have not translated into production recovery, underscoring operational and social challenges. Industry leaders emphasize urgent measures to secure operational safety, stabilize production levels, and safeguard Colombia’s energy sovereignty amid a volatile environment.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
