Ecopetrol and Petrobras confirm new natural gas discovery in Colombia's Caribbean waters

Colombian national oil company Ecopetrol and Brazil's Petrobras announced a significant natural gas discovery in the Caribbean Sea. The Sandía-1 exploratory well, drilled in deep waters approximately 42 kilometers offshore, marks another success in the GUA-OFF-O block.

This latest find is situated near previous gas discoveries like Sirius-1, Sirius-2, and Copoazu-1. The discovery is particularly crucial for Colombia, which faces a rapid decline in its hydrocarbon reserves. Analysts warn the country may need to import large volumes of natural gas for residential and industrial use in the short term.

Both companies, which are publicly traded, highlighted that the discovery reinforces the "gas potential in this region of the Colombian deepwater offshore." They stated that the identified volumes can contribute to the energy security of Colombia and the wider region. The exploratory drilling for Sandía-1 began on June 12, 2026, and reached its final depth on July 29, adhering to high operational and environmental standards.

The project operates under the GUA-OFF-0 contract, with Ecopetrol holding a 55.6% stake and Petrobras holding 44.4%. Petrobras views its participation as aligned with its long-term strategy to rebuild oil and gas reserves by exploring new frontiers in partnership with other firms. Ecopetrol emphasized that this discovery confirms the "great gas potential in the Colombian Caribbean" and supports efforts to increase the nation's gas supply.