Airlines in Bogotá, Medellín, Barranquilla and Cali are facing fuel shortages, despite Ecopetrol’s claims that there is supply.
News Colombia
The availability of jet fuel has been a growing concern in Colombia, despite recent announcements by Ecopetrol. Ricardo Roathe company’s president, assured that, to date, there has been no failure in the delivery of this critical input and that there is sufficient availability. However, the reality on the ground seems to contradict these statements.
At a press conference with the Ministries of Transport, Mines and Energy, the issue was addressed and the cancellation of flights was attributed to the calibration of runways in Bogotá and Cúcuta. They indicated that they were not related to the lack of fuel.
On the other hand, Ecopetrol had reported an increase in demand for jet fuel, which has gone from 35 thousand barrels per day to 37 thousand in the last two months, with a projection of 41 thousand barrels in the coming months. However, the company has reduced its availability from 100% to 95% to meet national demand, and delivery to wholesalers has been inconsistent.
Bogota
In the capital, the shortage of jet fuel has been in place for two days. This situation has caused delays and cancellations of some flights, affecting air mobility in the city.
Medellin
In Medellin, the fuel shortage was observed in just one day. Although the situation was temporary, it also caused operational problems for airlines in the city.
Barranquilla
In Barranquilla, fuel shortages were also reported in a single day, causing problems similar to those experienced in Medellín.
Cali
Cali has been facing shortages for two days. As in Bogotá, this has affected the regularity of flights and the planning of airlines.
The damage to the Cartagena refinery, which has affected production, could persist into next year. On August 16, an electronic failure at the Cartagena Refinery, operated by Ecopetrol, caused a decrease in fuel production, initially estimated at 8%, but later adjusted to 5%. This reduction warned of a possible supply crisis in Colombia.
However, Ecopetrol has assured that the situation will improve and that fuel supplies will be full starting next week.
The Minister of Mines stressed that efforts are being made to ensure proper management of supply, and monitoring and verification measures have been established to ensure adequate availability.
The Ministry of Transport has begun intensive monitoring of the supply and demand of jet fuel, with monitoring every 6 to 8 hours and specific inspections at each airport.
It should be noted that concerns intensified when the Colombian Civil Aeronautics announced that the reduction in supply could have a significant impact on air travelers between August 28 and September 4, 2024.
In response to the situation, airlines have decided, as a preventive measure, not to sell tickets in order to maintain flexibility in their flights and minimize the impact on passengers.
Approximately 1,700 air operations are carried out daily in the country, making stability in fuel supply essential for the smooth operation of national air transport.
Likewise, the corresponding superintendencies have been convened by the President of the Republic of Colombia to investigate the irregularities in the distribution and ensure that the situation is resolved as soon as possible.
