Background on Key Figures and Relevance
In the midst of uncertainty over gas supply beyond 2026, Colombia’s government instructed Ecopetrol to initiate importation plans for gas from Qatar in March as a response to the current energy situation. President Gustavo Petro highlighted that the import prices of this energy resource, currently sourced from the United States and Trinidad & Tobago (Colombia’s primary import markets), are ‘inflated’ compared to international prices.
Approximately two months later, a delegation from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, led by Minister Edwin Palma and Ecopetrol President Ricardo Roa, traveled to Qatar to start discussions on importing gas from the Middle Eastern nation. They also aimed to seek more support for renewable energy projects. During their visit, they met with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Saad Sherida Al Kaabi, to discuss the opportunity of importing this energy resource from Qatar.
Challenges and Potential Benefits
Experts believe that importing gas from Qatar could contribute to domestic demand, but one of the obstacles is the current infrastructure and transportation model. Colombia only has one regasification plant, Spec, located in Cartagena, capable of processing all the liquefied petroleum gas imported from abroad for subsequent transportation. Although there is a plan to build a second regasification plant in Colombia’s Pacific region, it will only become operational by mid-2026.
Sergio Cabrales, Fedesarrollo’s adjunct consultant on energy matters, reminded that gas importation would impact energy tariffs. “Transportation costs would drive up tariffs,” he stated.
Key Actions and Timeline
- March: Colombian government orders Ecopetrol to start importation plans from Qatar.
- Two months later: Ministry of Mines and Energy delegation visits Qatar to initiate discussions on gas importation and renewable energy project support.
- During the visit: Delegation meets with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs to discuss importing gas from the country.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is Colombia considering importing gas from Qatar?
A: President Gustavo Petro believes that importing gas from Qatar could provide a more cost-effective solution compared to current suppliers, the United States and Trinidad & Tobago.
- Q: What challenges does Colombia face in importing gas from Qatar?
A: The main challenges include limited regasification capacity in Colombia, with only one plant (Spec) currently operational, and the need for infrastructure development to support gas imports from Qatar.
- Q: How might gas importation from Qatar impact energy tariffs in Colombia?
A: According to Sergio Cabrales, transportation costs associated with importing gas from Qatar could lead to increased energy tariffs in Colombia.
