**Colombia Resumes Talks to Import Natural Gas from Venezuela Amid Shortages**
Colombia has reinitiated discussions to import natural gas from Venezuela as it grapples with an increasing fuel shortage. Colombian officials are assessing whether Petróleos de Venezuela SA, the state-run oil company, can repair a severely damaged segment of the 224-kilometer (139-mile) gas pipeline linking the two countries without violating U.S. sanctions, according to Mines and Energy Minister Edwin Palma.
Despite previous announcements of export plans set to commence at the end of last year, Venezuela is now prepared to sell 50 million cubic feet of gas daily and is willing to invest between $20 million and $30 million for the necessary repairs. Approximately 4.7 kilometers of the pipeline on the Colombian side requires attention, with repairs expected to take around three months. Palma expressed optimism, stating, “They now have the volumes, there is political will, and now they need to repair the pipeline,” indicating that imports could begin as early as this year. He emphasized the importance of finding a solution, noting, “If in the end we see it can’t be done, that’s it, but at least we’ve tried.”
Colombia began importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) late last year to satisfy the needs of households and businesses as domestic reserves decline, with new offshore wells in the Caribbean not anticipated to be operational until at least 2029. Currently, the shortfall is being addressed by the spare capacity at Colombia’s sole LNG import terminal in Cartagena, known as SPEC. However, additional infrastructure is necessary to meet growing demand, with the deficit projected to expand from an initial 4% of total demand to as much as 20% next year.
While around 15 projects are under consideration, Palma noted that the gas demand in Colombia realistically supports only two projects. He expressed a preference for a collaboration between state-run Ecopetrol SA and Grupo Energía Bogotá’s unit TGI to develop a facility in northern Colombia, which would connect to the national pipeline system. This partnership would allow the companies to “share the risk,” with the potential for the project to be operational by September of next year if initiated promptly.
Importing natural gas from Venezuela could reduce Colombia’s reliance on LNG imports, as pipeline transportation is generally more cost-effective. Palma stated, “The best exercise we can do is try and find gas that we bring from anywhere at a good price. It serves the industry, it serves the citizens, and it serves the market.”
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Colombia seeking to import natural gas from Venezuela?**
A: Colombia is facing a growing natural gas shortage and is exploring imports from Venezuela to meet domestic demand and stabilize fuel supplies.