Statement to the public opinion, Ecopetrol, Frontera, Hocol, Tecpetrol and Cepsa

The companies in the hydrocarbon industry operating in Puerto Gaitán (Meta): Ecopetrol, Frontera, Hocol, Tecpetrol, and Cepsa, express their deep concern about the serious social and economic consequences that the blockade of the road leading from Puerto Gaitán to the Rubiales village is generating, which has already lasted 7 days, affecting the inhabitants of the Meta department and the companies.

There are more than 5,332 workers in the sector and their families affected,, which adds to those from other productive activities, whose right to work and mobility is being violated, illegally preventing them from entering and leaving their workplaces. The hydrocarbon industry stands in solidarity with them and with the other inhabitants of the area.

The human rights of all those who are part of the territory must be guaranteed. The social and economic impacts are enormous, considering that the protesters are denying the passage of food and supplies, in addition to the fuel necessary for the continuous operation of the companies that to date are stopping the production of more than 49,500 barrels per day.

Additionally, the impact on oil operations in Meta is affecting the load of the refineries in Cartagena and Barrancabermeja, which puts the supply of liquid fuels in Colombia and other countries to which we export at risk.

As an industry, which is also a user of the Puerto Gaitán – Rubiales road, we respect the right to protest of the inhabitants of the area; however, we reject unlawful actions. Therefore, we invite the community, the departmental and local authorities, and the national government to seek joint solutions that allow lifting the blockade and achieving agreements that prioritize the well-being of the department.