Ecopetrol S.A., as Colombia’s main oil company, has faced significant criticism and challenges in the national oil market due to its dominant role in crude oil production and distribution. In 2023, Ecopetrol recorded daily oil production of 498,700 barrels, a 1.2% increase over the previous year, driven by contributions from its subsidiary Hocol. Likewise, refined fuel production rose by 17%, reaching record highs at its Barrancabermeja and Cartagena refineries, with an average throughput of 420,000 barrels per day. The Barrancabermeja refinery saw the highest throughput in 16 years.
However, several key challenges remain in the Colombian oil market. First, Ecopetrol’s historical preference for selling a larger volume of its production on the international market is a cause for concern, as national regulations prioritize supplying the domestic market according to the Petroleum Code. This practice presents a challenge in balancing the company’s commercial interests with the country’s energy needs.
Secondly, the fact that most domestic production consists of heavy crude, which requires specialized refining technologies, limits the capacity of some refineries, such as the one in Barrancabermeja, which needs a greater supply of light crude to operate efficiently. However, Ecopetrol restricts local refineries’ access to domestically produced light crude, hindering diversification and competitiveness in the refining sector.
Another considerable challenge is the country’s dependence on imports to meet about 40% of domestic gasoline demand, which could be reduced with better management of domestic crude oil supply and greater capacity at domestic refineries.
In summary, although Ecopetrol has made significant progress in production and refining, its dominant position and certain business practices have generated controversy. The tension between prioritizing exports and adequately supplying the domestic market while facilitating access to crude oil for private refiners reflects a complex balance between economic and strategic objectives for Colombian energy security. This scenario underscores the need for policies and regulations that ensure a more competitive and diversified oil market geared toward national sustainable development.
