Drilling rig in Colombia. (Source: Shutterstock.com)
Colombia’s mines and energy minister Irene Vélez-Torres resigned from the ministry on July 19, citing investigations against her use of power.
The minister’s resignation comes as Colombia’s energy sector struggles to boost investments, hydrocarbon reserves and production as both its oil and gas reserves are set to run out in less than eight years at current production levels, according to Colombia’s National Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH).
RELATED: Report: Colombia’s Oil, Gas Reserves Running Out
“Although the task has not culminated, with profound respect in the institutionality, I have decided to leave my position at the ministry so that investigations against me don’t interfere with the execution of the government program,” Vélez said in a four-page letter posted on her Twitter account.
The letter mainly highlighted key energy sector accomplishments during her short tenure as minister.
Prior to joining the ministry, Vélez worked mainly in academia—working with institutions such as the National University of Colombia and most recently as a professor at the University of Valle. Vélez, like Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, is strongly against fracking in Colombia in favor of clean energies.
Stories from major Colombian and Argentine media outlets pointed to possible nepotism as the reasons for Vélez’s resignation.
The Colombian magazine Semana reported that the minister’s husband, a Dutch filmmaker, had allegedly been awarded a lucrative contract with the Colombian government related to a communications strategy.
For its part, Argentine media Infobae also reported that Vélez used her position and influence to obtain a visa for her son without going to the proper channels, such as notarizing official documents with a registered notary.
In her letter, Vélez thanked Petro for giving her the opportunity and said she was available to respond to Colombian authorities.
Petro’s government has yet to comment on the resignation or give clues to who might be Colombia’s next mines and energy minister.
RELATED: Colombia’s President Petro Says E&P Contracts Unchanged
Recommended Reading
On The Market This Week (Jan. 20, 2025)
2025-01-24 - Here is a roundup of marketed oil and gas interests in the Delaware Basin, Midcontinent and Bakken from select sellers.
On The Market This Week (Jan. 27, 2025)
2025-02-02 - Here's a roundup of marketed oil and gas leaseholds in Appalachian and the Central basins from select sellers.
NOG: Company Not in ‘Formal Negotiations’ to Buy Granite Ridge
2024-12-23 - Northern Oil and Gas, responding to media reports that it has made two offers for Granite Ridge Resources, said it’s not engage in formal negotiations to buy the company.
Exxon Mobil Completes Purchase of FPSO Offshore Guyana
2024-12-19 - Exxon Mobil Corp. paid $535 million to SBM Offshore for the FPSO, which will operate the unit through 2033.
Shell Completes Deal to Buy Power Plant in Rhode Island
2025-01-24 - Shell has completed its previously announced acquisition to buy a 609-megawatt combined cycle gas turbine power plant in Rhode Island from RISEC Holdings.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.