Colombian Court Halts Drilling at Uchuva-2 Well

A Colombian court has ordered Ecopetrol and Petrobras to cease drilling at the Uchuva-2 gas well after an indigenous community claimed that their consent was not obtained prior to the drilling. Judge Carlos Villalva emphasized the need for a prior consultation process and a new environmental impact study to protect the rights of the indigenous people. The court's decision, coming as Colombia faces a potential natural gas deficit, highlights ongoing challenges for both companies, including a previous suspension of another offshore project. Petrobras holds a 44.4% stake in the Tayrona block while Ecopetrol owns the remaining 55.6%. Ecopetrol is expected to release a statement regarding the ruling, while Petrobras has not yet commented. The suspension underscores the importance of community consent in resource exploration.