Parex Resources Inc. has stopped oil operations in Capachos, Arauca department, Colombia, due to social protests and threats by armed groups. Parex said it last month “received threats from the Eastern War Front of the National Liberation Army (ELN)” regarding its operations in the region and “immediately reported the incident to Colombian authorities.”
Local contractors have received similar threats, leading them to suspend services for Parex. The company said it will suspend operations until public order is restored and the safety of its personnel can be ensured.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 11, 2024, Parex Resources' estimated average production was 53,200 boe/d. Current production is about 50,000 boe/d.
Despite the closure of Capachos block, Parex maintained production guidance for 2024 of 54,000-60,000 boe/d. Parex last year at this time also had to close operations Capachos and Arauca blocks due to ELN threats.
The closure of Capachos block comes after production at Caño Sur (Ecopetrol) and Pendare (Tecpetrol) fields was stopped due to the blockade of a road in Puerto Gaitán, Meta, which prevented. In this case, the community demanded the paving of the 135-km main road that leads from Puerto Gaitán to Ecopetrol’s Rubiales field.
