Ecopetrol Reduces Output at Tibú Oil Field After Crude Theft

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State-owned oil company Ecopetrol restricted operations at part of the Tibú oil field in Colombia’s Catatumbo region this month due to persistent theft of crude oil by armed groups. These groups siphoned more than 39,000 barrels of oil across the region in 2025 and installed over 150 illegal valves on pipelines last year. The North Station in the Palmeras area, which suffered seven attacks in 2025, experienced production cuts of over 300 barrels per day. Ecopetrol had previously warned United States securities regulators that such theft posed a risk to its financial results and reputation.

Consequences

Ecopetrol is currently reviewing whether it can maintain safe operations in the region, raising the possibility of a full exit from the affected area. Further production halts could disrupt local energy supplies, as the Tibú field currently provides natural gas to the town of Tibú and approximately 25% of the gas used in nearby Cúcuta.

Sources

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