Colombia faces restrictions on gas imports from Venezuela

Colombia will not be able to import natural gas from Venezuela without special permission from the US authorities, which complicates plans to ensure the country's energy supply. This was announced on February 22 by Colombian Minister of Mining and Energy Edwin Palma following a meeting with the Venezuelan leadership in Caracas, a video recording of his statement was published by Caracol radio station.

According to the minister, the implementation of the deal through the state-owned company Ecopetrol proved impossible without additional approval.

"Unfortunately, it seems that we will not be able to complete this transaction through Ecopetrol," Palma said.

He also stressed that obtaining the necessary permission may take a considerable time.

"The registration of a new license will be more complicated and protracted, and the deadline is important for us," the head of the department added.

The Minister noted that Colombia is already facing a growing shortage of natural gas. According to him, the existing reserves may be exhausted within a few years and already do not fully cover the country's domestic needs.

Right to pump: Venezuela aims for top 3 countries in gas production

Does Caracas have the necessary capacity for this and how will Washington look at it?

On February 12, US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright reported that China had purchased the first shipment of oil from Venezuela after a period of restrictions on the export of this resource, which may indicate a gradual restoration of supplies to international markets. According to the American authorities, Chinese refineries have traditionally been the largest buyers of Venezuelan oil due to favorable terms of cooperation.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.