Colombia weighs Venezuela gas imports amid supply deficit, El Niño

Oersted A/S

24/09/2026 18:02

BOGOTA, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Colombia is exploring options to address a growing gas supply deficit - including potential imports from neighboring Venezuela - Energy Minister Maria Nohemi Arboleda said on Thursday, as the El Niño weather phenomenon threatens to widen the shortfall.
Colombia's gas imports have surged to nearly 30% of demand from 17% at the end of last year, industry group Naturgas said.
The rise follows a decline in local production after former President Gustavo Petro's government halted new exploration and production contracts.
New President Abelardo De La Espriella, a right-wing lawyer, has promised to revive the extractive industry, including a push for fracking.
"We're turning over every stone we can" in search of gas, Arboleda said at an industry forum in Cartagena.
El Niño could drive up energy consumption due to high temperatures and reduced rainfall, threatening Colombia's hydroelectric-dependent power grid, which accounts for about 70% of generation.

 (Reporting by Nelson Bocanegra; Writing by Iñigo Alexander; Editing by Kylie Madry)