Petroecuador qualifies as force majeure in its operations due to the breakdown of the SOTE

This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system

Petroecuador

Petroecuador reports that, through Resolution No. PETRO-PGG-2025-0014-RSL, Force Majeure was declared in its operations and an emergency was declared in the Trans-Ecuadorean Pipeline System (SOTE) due to a landslide that affected the pipeline, causing an oil spill.

This emergency declaration will not last longer than 60 days and its main objective is to allow EP Petroecuador to take all necessary actions and allocate all necessary resources to minimize the impact of the force majeure event on hydrocarbon exploration, exploitation, transportation, and marketing operations by contracting the required labor, services, goods, and equipment.

The volume of oil spilled is yet to be determined. This will be known once pumping resumes and the corresponding assessments are completed, which will be verified by the Hydrocarbons Regulation and Control Agency.

In order to resume oil transportation, the removal of 225,000 m of material that was displaced from the hillside over the pipeline's right-of-way has been completed. SOTE operations are expected to resume this week.

Regarding exports of Oriente crude oil through the Balao Maritime Terminal, these have been postponed until the Force Majeure is lifted. Companies will be notified in due course of the rescheduling of these exports.

As of March 17, 2025, 1,148,323 barrels are available to ensure the operation of the Esmeraldas Refinery. Exports from the OCP Maritime Terminal are proceeding normally.

Meanwhile, Napo crude oil exports are proceeding as scheduled, with a stock of 1,027,182 barrels at OCP.

EP Petroecuador assures that it has sufficient stock to supply the domestic market with fuels and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

We encourage citizens to stay informed through our official channels.