Filled with 'black gold': the 5 locations with the most oil in Colombia, according to the IA

The oil industry remains one of the driving forces of the Colombian economy . Despite debates about the energy transition, crude oil continues to represent more than 30% of national exports, according to figures from Ecopetrol and the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) . The country's oil map is concentrated in five main locations, which have shaped the history and present of the sector. What are these regions according to artificial intelligence (AI)? This was their answer.

According to ChatGPT, these locations stand out not only for their production volumes, but also for the technical, social, and environmental challenges they face.

This tour highlights areas of the Eastern Plains, the Middle Magdalena, the Amazon border, and the Llanero foothills, which have made Colombia a key player in Latin America.

Below, a review of the country's five oil epicenters, their characteristics, and what makes them important to the national economy.

1. Goal: the oil heart of the Llanos

The department of Meta is home to the Rubiales, Quifa, Castilla, and Chichimene fields, considered to have the highest installed capacity in the country. Municipalities such as Puerto Gaitán, Acacías, and Castilla La Nueva are the core of national production. Heavy crude oil predominates here, requiring intensive transportation and blending processes for export. This area is strategic for Ecopetrol, but also sensitive: blockades and protests at fields like Rubiales have directly impacted production. Furthermore, Meta has a robust logistics infrastructure, connecting with the center of the country and facilitating access to ports on the Caribbean coast.

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2. Arauca: Caño Limón and the Coveñas Pipeline In the department of Arauca, the Caño Limón field has historically been the second largest in Colombia. From there, oil is transported through the Caño Limón–Coveñas pipeline, key to national supply. Although its production has declined over the years, it remains significant. Its main challenge has been security: the pipeline has been the target of attacks, leading to pumping suspensions and environmental contingencies. The Llanos Basin in this region produces medium-grade crude oils that supply both the domestic market and exports.

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3. Casanare: Cusiana and Cupiagua, icons of oil and gas . Casanare is home to the iconic Cusiana and Cupiagua fields, discovered in the 1990s. These mixed oil and gas fields marked a milestone in the country's energy self-sufficiency. Today, despite their natural decline, they continue to be a pillar of the country's energy supply. Furthermore, they provide a consolidated treatment and transportation infrastructure, which supports both the production and export of hydrocarbons. Its location in the foothills of the plains gives it geological advantages, but also challenges of sustainability and social coexistence.

4. Santander: the historical cradle in the Magdalena Medio

The Middle Magdalena River, particularly in Barrancabermeja (Santander), is considered the cradle of the Colombian oil industry. The La Cira-Infantas field, in operation since 1918, is one of the oldest in Latin America. Currently, the region is focusing on secondary and tertiary recovery (EOR) projects to sustain production from mature fields. Its proximity to the Barrancabermeja refinery is a competitive advantage, allowing for an integrated circuit between extraction and refining. The Casabe field also contributes to regional production, reinforcing the historical importance of the Middle Magdalena River in the industry.

5. Putumayo: Amazonian oil

In the south of the country, Putumayo concentrates production around the Orito field, discovered in 1963. This region is key within the Andean-Amazon basin and has reported more than 27 discovered fields. Its crude oils are medium to heavy, with complex structural geology. Logistical access is one of its greatest challenges, given its location in jungle areas and borders with Ecuador and Peru. Despite these difficulties, the region has maintained stable production and is considered strategic for diversifying supply beyond the Eastern Plains.

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An industry in transformation

These five locations represent the backbone of the national oil industry. However, they all face common challenges: the need to incorporate new technologies, improve environmental sustainability, and respond to the growing pressure for the energy transition, according to ChatGPT. Colombia, like other producing countries, must balance the exploitation of "black gold" with the development of renewable energy, seeking to guarantee tax revenue without compromising climate commitments.

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Official report: Oil reserves grew despite falling prices

The Ministry of Mines and Energy, together with the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), presented the 2024 Reserves and Resources Report (IRR), which analyzes the performance of Colombia's oil and gas reserves and contingent resources.

In terms of proven reserves (1P), the report indicates that they reached 2.035 billion barrels (Mbl) in 2024, compared to 2.020 Mbl in 2023, equivalent to a 0.74% increase , even with a 3.5% drop in the reference price. The Reserves/Production (R/P) ratio increased from 7.1 years in 2023 to 7.2 years in 2024, reflecting greater stability in the sustainability of the resource.

The document highlights that the total reserve addition between 2023 and 2024 was 298 Mbl, a 30% increase (an additional 69 Mbl). In cumulative terms, 1,797 Mbl were added between 2018 and 2024, exceeding the production of 1,720 Mbl during the same period. This means that for every 100 barrels produced in 2024, 105 barrels were replenished, ensuring replenishment and net growth.