Colombia Faces Gas Shortage as Three Companies Pursue First Fracking Well
Colombia's proven natural gas reserves fell 16.8% in 2025 to 5.9 years of supply, prompting the new government to reopen exploration including fracking. President Abelardo de la Espriella backed the technique, and Ecopetrol, Drummond and GeoPark are positioning for the country's first fracking well. No new environmental license has been issued, and a court-ordered consultation and a Senate bill opposing fracking remain unresolved.
Colombia, home to roughly 53 million people, depends on crude exports and uses natural gas for cooking and electricity. It has never fracked; two pilot permits from 2020 and 2021 were halted under Gustavo Petro’s 2022–2026 presidency. Proven reserves fell 16.8% in 2025 to 5.9 years of supply, prompting President Abelardo de la Espriella, in office since 7 August, to reopen exploration including fracking.
Ecopetrol held the old pilot licences. Drummond, a US coal miner, has four shale contracts and a 2027 target. GeoPark says it is ready but has no project. No environmental licence exists, a court-ordered Afro-Colombian consultation is pending, and a Senate fracking ban remains unresolved.
If exploration advances, households may continue relying on imported gas for years while licensing unfolds. Energy investors could face prolonged regulatory uncertainty, and communities near proposed wells, including Afro-Colombian groups awaiting consultation, may see new scrutiny over land, water and local consent. A future supply boost could ease fiscal and trade pressures, but any benefits may arrive slowly and unevenly, depending on court rulings, environmental approvals and legislative action.