Colombia is becoming increasingly dependent on imported LNG as domestic natural gas production declines, while a strengthening El Niño raises the risk that lower hydropower generation will increase demand for gas-fired electricity.
By Carolina Curiel
Published October 30, 2026
What Readers Should Know
MONTREAL (Oil Monster): Colombia's reliance on imported liquefied natural gas is increasing as domestic gas production continues to decline and the country prepares for potentially stronger thermal-power demand during El Niño.
Average marketed natural gas production fell from 1,070 million cubic feet per day in 2022 to 772 MMcf/d in 2025, according to data cited by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Production declined further during the first eight months of 2026, averaging 673 MMcf/d.
Colombia's major producing areas, including Cusiana, Cupiagua, Pauto Sur and offshore Guajira fields, have been declining without large new developments replacing lost supply.
As domestic output declined, LNG imports increased.
Imported LNG supplied a record 31% of Colombia's monthly natural gas in July, according to gas-market administrator BEC.
The shift comes as proved natural gas reserves fell 39% between 2022 and 2025 to approximately 1.7 trillion cubic feet.
Colombia Gas Snapshot
2022 production: 1,070 MMcf/d
2025 production: 772 MMcf/d
Jan-Aug. 2026: 673 MMcf/d
July LNG share: Record 31%
Colombia currently has one operating LNG import terminal, SPEC LNG near Cartagena.
Promigas is advancing a temporary expansion designed to add 58 MMcf/d of regasification capacity, bringing the terminal's total to approximately 533 MMcf/d.
A separate LNG import project at Buenaventura on the Pacific coast has been targeting startup around November 1 after earthquake-related transportation disruptions delayed imported equipment.
Additional projects at Puerto Bahia and Ballenas could add more import capacity in 2027.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center says El Niño continues to strengthen, with a greater than 83% chance of a strong-to-very strong event through January-March 2027.
Colombia's government has activated measures to prepare its electricity system for lower hydropower availability, including steps intended to ensure thermal generators have access to fuel.
The power-sector impact can be significant. Hydropower supplied 81% of Colombian electricity in 2025, while natural gas provided 8%.
During the strong El Niño in March 2024, hydropower's share fell to 55% while natural gas-fired generation increased to 22%.
By July 2026, hydropower had already declined to 66% of generation, while natural gas and coal each supplied 12%.
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Colombia's gas challenge is becoming a combination of declining domestic supply and weather-driven power demand.
If El Niño reduces hydropower output this winter, the country may need more gas-fired generation just as local gas production is falling, increasing the importance of LNG terminals and imported cargoes.
Colombia is adding LNG import capacity as domestic natural gas production and reserves decline.
A strong El Niño could accelerate that shift by reducing hydropower availability and increasing demand from thermal power plants during the coming months.
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Colombia's Ecopetrol Warns of Possible Natural Gas Shortage
Courtesy: U.S. Energy Information Administration
