Purchase of goods and services

One of the main contributions of the industry is the strengthening of local suppliers in the areas of operation. Through the purchase of local goods and services, the industry has been increasing the regional competitiveness of areas with a presence in the hydrocarbons sector.

The development of the sector's activities requires a series of goods and services, which include the hiring of specialized technology for the development of exploration or enhanced recovery activities, specialized geology and topography work, civil works development, transportation of hydrocarbons; as well as the hiring of services for catering or personnel transportation, among others.

Most of these goods or services are contracted at the national level or in the regions of operation, which has allowed for the improvement of the competitiveness of Colombian suppliers. Indeed, these contracts have allowed the contracted companies to be in continuous improvement processes and certifications under the highest standards, in order to meet the sector's requirements.

Since 2013, the operating companies in the sector have purchased more than $100 billion in goods and services at the national and local levels. Specifically, national purchases have amounted to $51 billion and local purchases to $54 billion, which has meant stimulating the national and regional economy.

However, a progressive decrease is evident from 2013 to 2016. The figure for purchases of goods and services decreased by 50% between 2015 and 2016, with local purchases experiencing the greatest decline. In 2015, purchases were reported at $12.5 billion while in 2016 the amount was $4.4 billion. Regarding national purchases, a decrease was observed, which was smaller (30%). Undoubtedly, one of the greatest collateral effects of the decrease in industry activities is related to the decline in the purchase of goods and services, especially at the local level.