BOGOTĂ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Editores Latin Petroleum, 9.Oct.2026, Words: 213) â EP Petroecuador lifted the force majeure declaration implemented earlier in the week to address the fire at Baeza station No. 4 of the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE).Â
Operational conditions were restored and the pipeline’s crude oil transport capacity was recovered to a flow of 312,000 barrels per day (b/d), the state-owned company announced on 9 Oct. in an official statement.
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As part of the actions taken, the sixth pumping unit at the Baeza station was recovered on 8 Oct., increasing the crude oil transport capacity from the eastern region to the maritime terminals in Esmeraldas.
The lifting of the main bolt marks the return to normal operation of the pipeline system and enables the continuity of exploration, production, refining, domestic marketing, and delivery of crude oil to the international market, Petroecuador said.
The rehabilitation of the station and the restoration of pumping capacity were made possible by the immediate deployment of specialized personnel, who safely and efficiently executed the actions outlined in the institutional contingency plan.
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By Ana Sanches reporting from Bogotå. © 1999-2026 Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) and its 100% owned Venezuelan affiliate Editores Latin Petroleum CA. All Rights Reserved.
