Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Petroecuador USD 5.3M Refinery Payment Raises Procurement-Control Risk
A Petroecuador payment of more than USD 5.3 million to Consorcio Torre VL-V1 is now a governance-risk case for Ecuador’s hydrocarbons sector. Prosecutors said the payment was tied to alleged work at the Esmeraldas Refinery, but Sercop and Finance records reportedly showed no matching contract or payment registration.
Petroecuador Output Reaches 365,973 bpd, Still Below June Plan
Petroecuador highlighted 370,197 BOE/d on June 15, its best level in recent months, but the number includes crude and natural gas. Crude output was 365,973.40 bpd, below the June plan of 376,223.01 bpd and still short of the production recovery needed for fiscal and export targets.
Oil Drop May Cut Ecuador Subsidy Cost Before Fuel Prices Fall
WTI fell 4.9% to USD 80.75 per barrel after an announced U.S.-Iran agreement, but Ecuador fuel prices are not expected to decline immediately. Current subsidies are USD 1.60 per gallon for diesel, USD 1.62 for Ecopais and USD 1.02 for Extra, making the fiscal account the first transmission channel.
Petroecuador Controls PK105 Pipeline Spill, Says Fuel Supply Normal
Petroecuador said a fuel leak in La Union, Quininde, was allegedly caused by a clandestine perforation on the Esmeraldas-Santo Domingo polyduct at PK105. The company said the leak was controlled before 11:00 and national fuel supply continued normally.
Triple A Testimony Puts $100M Diesel-Subsidy Case Back in Focus
A protected witness in the Triple A and Goleada proceedings described how subsidized diesel allegedly moved through an unauthorized resale mechanism. The testimony puts Ecuador fuel-subsidy controls, Petroecuador sales, ARCH oversight and offshore invoicing back in the business-risk frame.
Esmeraldas I 125 MW Thermal Plant to Remain Offline for 9-12 Months
Esmeraldas I, a 125 MW thermal plant, will remain out of operation for nine months to one year after a June 5 cooling-tower fire during maintenance. Energy Minister Juan Carlos Blum said Ecuador could face a 1,300 MW deficit in a critical 2026-2027 dry-season scenario, while an external consultant placed potential shortfall risk as high as 2,640 MW under lower hydro generation.
Novacero Plans $180M Investment in Two 50 MW Mini-Hydro Plants
Novacero plans two 50 MW mini-hydroelectric projects with combined investment of $180 million as Ecuador pushes high-voltage users to install their own generation by end-2026. The company already operates a 4.23 MW solar park in Guayaquil and plans additional panels in Guayaquil and Quito while trying to cover a 38 MW peak load at its Lasso plant.
CELEC Awards $59.2M Diesel Rental for 45 MW at Santa Elena
CELEC awarded a $59.2 million diesel-generation rental contract for 45 MW at the Santa Elena plant, nearly $13 million below the reference budget. The award went to Comercial Laeisz Honduras after seven offers and Sercop observations over the public-procurement process.
Ecuador Plans Emergency Contracting Committee as Erosion Threatens Coca Codo
Ecuador will form an emergency committee to accelerate works tied to regressive erosion on the Coca River, which threatens Coca Codo Sinclair’s water-intake structures. The hydro plant supplies about 25% of national electricity demand and cost more than $2 billion.
Petroecuador Adds Output at Sacha and Auca as State Production Hits 364,233 Bpd
Petroecuador added new well output at Sacha and Auca, with state production reaching 364,233 barrels per day on June 8. Sacha produced 72,811 bpd, about 20% of Petroecuador output, while Auca produced 61,007 bpd, about 17%.
Ecuador Checks Fuel Chain as Esmeraldas Refinery Recovers to Nearly 90%
Ecuador is verifying fuel inventories, dispatches and station operations before the June 12 monthly price update. Authorities say Esmeraldas refinery recovery lifted capacity from 40% to nearly 90% after a $15.7 million repair effort.
Petroecuador Restructuring Plan Points to Mixed-Capital Model
Ecuador's energy ministry is evaluating a mixed-capital model for Petroecuador that would maintain state control while opening up to private investment. The concept would require legal reform and could allow private participation up to 49%, with 51% under state control.