Original article: “Vamos a traer gas venezolano muchísimo más barato”: Petro anuncia giro energético en Colombia
Colombian President Aims for Ecopetrol to Play a Role in Venezuela’s Economic Revival and Bring in Gas to Reduce Energy Costs
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has announced that his administration will begin importing Venezuelan gas at significantly lower prices than what is currently available in Colombia.
«We are going to bring Venezuelan gas at a much cheaper price,» declared the president, encapsulating the new direction of Colombia’s hydrocarbon policy.
Petro made this announcement during a government event in the municipality of Chaparral, Tolima department, and it follows diplomatic efforts made earlier this month in Washington during a meeting with U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.
During that White House meeting, the Colombian leader proposed that Ecopetrol, Colombia’s state oil company, participate in revitalizing Venezuela’s energy sector.
Following that meeting, Petro spoke with Caracol Radio to elaborate on his proposal. He explained that months earlier he had communicated with Caracas on energy issues. After the attack by Washington that resulted in the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, «the United States saw the immediate possibility of lifting sanctions in the west and opened the door for Ecopetrol’s participation.»
The Colombian president emphasized that Colombia «can be of great help» in the initiative and stated that he envisions a broader scope beyond mere gas imports.
Petro outlined a plan that includes utilizing clean electricity produced in Colombia and reactivating existing gas pipelines, oil pipelines, and electrical connections to boost sectors such as gas, oil, and the fertilizer industry in collaboration with Venezuelan companies, including the petrochemical firm Monómeros.
Edwin Palma, Minister of Mines and Energy, confirmed Colombia’s readiness to acquire Venezuelan gas.
«With OFAC license, as we once said, we will start talks with Venezuela to bring affordable gas quickly to our country, as President Gustavo Petro mentioned today.»
The reference to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury is significant, as it indicates Colombia will seek necessary permits from Washington to operate within the current sanctions affecting strategic sectors of the Venezuelan economy, though recent signals suggest some flexibility.
«If Venezuelan gas works, brother, absolutely, brother, absolutely»
Hours before his appearance in Chaparral, President Petro hinted at the direction of his decision regarding energy cost relief in Colombia during a cabinet meeting.
During this session, he stated: «If Venezuelan gas works, absolutely, brother, absolutely.»
The Venezuelan Opening
The regional energy landscape started to shift two weeks ago when the Venezuelan Parliament approved a reform of the hydrocarbon law that opens the sector to private and foreign investment, paving the way for companies like Ecopetrol to participate.
On January 21, the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, provided an outlook on the country’s economic prospects for 2026.
In her remarks, she estimated that Venezuela’s revenues from crude oil sales would increase by «37%» this year and announced the creation of two sovereign funds to manage these resources, which she anticipates will include «a transparency mechanism» for their administration aimed at improving citizens’ living conditions.
