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Ecopetrol Drives Offshore Gas Exploration Despite Shell's Withdrawal
EcopetrolEcopetrol(US:EC) ZACKSยท2025-05-30 14:31

Group 1: Company Overview - Ecopetrol S.A. is a Colombian majority state-owned energy company that plans to continue exploring natural gas in the Caribbean deepwater despite Shell's exit from Colombia [1] - Shell confirmed its withdrawal from three offshore blocks in Colombia, including COL-5, Purple Angel, and Fuerte Sur, which were jointly operated with Ecopetrol [1] Group 2: Gas Demand and Exploration - Ecopetrol will proceed with exploratory drilling in offshore blocks due to significant reserves and high potential returns, driven by rising domestic gas demand [2][3] - Colombia's gas reserves are dwindling, leading to increased dependence on energy imports, prompting Ecopetrol to focus on developing new gas resources [3] Group 3: Regulatory Environment - The Colombian government, under President Gustavo Petro, has halted the issuance of new oil and gas exploration contracts, impacting upstream production strategies [4] Group 4: International Interest - International players, including Petrobras, are showing interest in Colombia's gas projects, with potential acquisitions in the blocks previously held by Shell [5] - Ecopetrol and Petrobras had previously collaborated on gas exploration, achieving a breakthrough with the Sirius-2 well in the Gujaira Basin, which could enhance natural gas production if economically viable [5]