Colombia’s new president signals energy policy shift, backs oil and gas
Summary
Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has promised to boost the country’s oil and gas sector and strengthen the national energy company, Ecopetrol. He supports a move toward cleaner energy but says this should not weaken Colombia’s oil and gas industry or energy security.Key Facts
- Abelardo de la Espriella was sworn in as Colombia’s president in Cali on August 7, 2026.
- He plans to revive Colombia’s oil and gas production and restore Ecopetrol, the state-owned energy company.
- De la Espriella supports an energy transition to renewable sources like wind and solar but wants to maintain strong oil and gas production.
- His approach marks a change from former President Gustavo Petro’s policy, which paused new oil and gas contracts and focused on protecting the environment.
- The new president will allow fracking (a method to extract oil and gas) with strict environmental rules.
- He aims to increase oil and gas exploration to rebuild reserves and attract investment.
- De la Espriella described Colombia’s energy system as in a “critical situation” due to declining reserves and rising electricity demand.
- Energy security, or the reliable supply of energy, is a top priority for his administration and seen as tied to national sovereignty.
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