Ecopetrol says gas supply assured despite Cusiana stoppage

Colombia's Ecopetrol has guaranteed gas supply to consumers after announcing the temporary shutdown of one of its biggest processing plants. 

In a statement, the Bogotá-based company said it would carry out maintenance work at the Cusiana facility from October 8 to October 19 to improve safety and operational efficiency.

"Together with the national government, unions and the other stakeholders, Ecopetrol has designed a plan to maintain the supply of natural gas ... for households, the commercial sector and vehicles," it said. 

Ecopetrol added that demand would be met by other "substitute fuels" and an increase in imports via the country's only LNG terminal in Cartagena. The firm is also planning to reduce gas consumption at refineries during the period.

Located in Tauramena, in the eastern department of Casanare, Cusiana produces around 270Mf3/d (million cubic feet a day).