New discoveries by Gran Tierra Energy and Andes Petroleum add over 4,000 bpd to Ecuador’s oil output

Gran Tierra Energy, a Canadian company, completed its exploration commitments in the Block 50 – Charapa area of Sucumbíos province, identifying two producing wells: Conejo A-01 and Conejo A-02. Conejo A-01 is expected to contribute approximately 2,100 barrels per day (bpd) of medium crude rated at 26 degrees API, while Conejo A-02 will add about 1,500 bpd with a lighter crude quality of 29 degrees API. Together, these discoveries provide a combined output of 3,600 bpd, bolstering Ecuador’s reserves and export potential. Gran Tierra maintains additional operations in adjacent blocks 51 – Chanangue and 89 – Iguana, expanding its regional footprint in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Meanwhile, Andes Petroleum Ecuador, with Chinese capital, concluded initial tests on the Johanna Sur 1 exploratory well within Block 62 – Tarapoa, also in Sucumbíos. The well is projected to yield 650 bpd of medium-quality crude. Andes Petroleum’s activities align with government directives to strengthen regional production while adhering to sustainability and social responsibility protocols.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy confirmed that these discoveries total more than 4,000 bpd, reinforcing the oil sector’s role as a critical engine for Ecuador’s economy. The government will maintain a policy framework in 2026 focused on increasing oil exploration and output with an emphasis on environmental protection and improving living conditions in Amazonian communities affected by oil operations.

Gran Tierra Energy’s 2026 outlook includes shifting from exploration to appraisal and development, aiming to optimize free cash flow and integrate recent discoveries into its portfolio. The oil sector’s expansion supports Ecuador’s fiscal revenues and export capacity amid global market uncertainties, reflecting the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with sustainable resource management.