(Energy Analytics Institute, 2.Feb.2022) — In December 2021, Colombia reported a 2.49% sequential rise in its natural gas production while its crude oil production fell 0.33%, according to Colombia’s National Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH).
Colombia’s best opportunities to significantly boost both oil and gas production relate to exploratory wells planned offshore this year, especially one by Shell Colombia, and pilot fracking projects currently underway and spearheaded by state owned Ecopetrol, according to Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) analysis.
Gas Production
Colombia’s commercialized gas production was 1,128 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) in December 2021, up 2.49% versus 1,101 MMcf/d in November 2021. Gas production in December 2021 was up 1.89% versus 1,108 MMcf/d in December 2020.
Higher gas production in December 2021 was due to greater commercialization in Gibraltar (Toledo-Norte de Santander), Cupiagua (Aguazul-Casanare ), Clarinete (La Unión/Sahagún-Córdoba/Sucre), Recetor West (Aguazul-Casanare) and La Belleza (Plato-Magdalena) as a result of reestablishment of production.
Colombia’s gas production averaged 1,087 MMcf/d in 2021, “the highest level in at least five years, which reflects the commitment of the national government to the development of this fuel,” the ANH said 2 February 2022 in an official statement.
Oil Production
Colombia’s average oil production was 745,325 barrels per day in December 2021, down 0.33% versus 747,772 b/d in November 2021, and down 1.93% versus 760,016 b/d in December 2020.
Lower oil production in December 2021 occurred mainly in Rubiales (Puerto Gaitán-Meta), Castilla Norte (Acacias-Meta), Yariguí-Cantagallo (Cantagallo-Bolívar), Indico (Cabuyaro-Meta), Floreña Mirador (Yopal-Casanare), “due to the presence of electrical and mechanical failures and public order problems,” the ANH said.
Colombia’s oil production averaged 736,356 b/d in 2021, down 5.7% versus 781,352 b/d in 2020.
Wells Drilled
A total of 460 wells were drilled in 2021, up 53.84% versus 2020 when only 299 wells were drilled, the ANH said. Of the wells drilled in 2021, approximately 425 were developmental and 35 were exploratory.
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By Piero Stewart. © Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
