New wells push Colombian oil production up

Colombian oil and gas production edged higher in September as new wells were brought on-stream in four departments, the mines and energy ministry reported.

Output reached 753,584b/d, up from 749,299b/d in August and 744,173b/d in September last year. 

"The re-establishment of production and the start-up of new wells in the departments of Meta, Putumayo, Casanare and Arauca prompted the increase," the ministry said in a statement. 

Among the fields to see greater volumes were Caño Sur Este, operated by state company Ecopetrol, Cohembi (Gran Tierra), Azogue (Parex), Chichimene (Ecopetrol), Kitaro (Parex), Jacana (GeoPark) and Andina (Parex). 

Average oil production in the third quarter was 750,343b/d, up from 752,294b/d in the second quarter and 751,407b/d in the first.

The ministry added that natural gas output climbed to 1.098Bf3/d (billion cubic feet a day) from 1.087Bf3/d in August and 1.083Bf3/d in September 2021. 

Meanwhile, Colombia has appointed geologist Clara Guatame as president of the national hydrocarbons agency (ANH). 

Guatame, who previously filled a senior position at the national geology bureau (SGC) replaces Andrés Bitar, who had filled the role on an interim basis following the June departure of Armando Zamora.