Latest News

Colombia, Ecuador locked in trade dispute as pipeline tariff jumps 900%

By The City Paper Staff - January 27, 2026

Ecuador has sharply increased tariffs on Colombian crude oil transported through its pipeline system, deepening a trade and energy dispute between the two Andean neighbours that has already disrupted electricity exports and bilateral commerce. Ecuador said on Tuesday it had raised the tariff paid by Colombia for each barrel of oil transported through the state-owned […]

Colombia, Ecuador in trade and energy spat after Noboa announces 30% “security” tariff

By The City Paper Staff - January 22, 2026

Colombia and Ecuador have started exchanging trade retaliations after Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a 30% “security” tariff on imports from Colombia, escalating tensions between Andean neighbours over border security cooperation. Noboa said the measure would take effect on Feb. 1 and would remain in place until Colombia shows “real commitment” to jointly tackle drug […]

Democracy Deferred: Did Washington Abandon María Corina Machado?

By Richard Emblin - January 5, 2026

The extraction of Nicolás Maduro on Saturday was meant to signal the end of an era. Instead, it has exposed an uncomfortable truth that may loom over Washington weeks and months after the “shock-and-awe” attacks in central Caracas have waned from headlines: was Venezuela’s democratic opposition sidelined at the very moment it appeared closest to […]

Black-market will push Venezuela for bigger discounts following US oil tanker seizure

By The Conversation - December 15, 2025

The U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast appears designed to further squeeze the economy of President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The Dec. 10, 2025 operation — in which American forces descended from helicopters onto the vessel — followed months of U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean and was immediately condemned by Venezuela […]

What Indonesia’s Floating Solar Project can teach Colombia about a clean energy future

By Richard Emblin - May 26, 2025

The Cirata Reservoir project in Indonesia’s West Java offers a blueprint for Colombia’s renewable transition and regional cooperation with Southeast Asia. As the largest floating solar project in SouthEast Asia, Cirata is driving Indonesia toward a greener and sustainable future.

Petro wants to revive Bolívar’s dream of a 21st-Century Gran Colombia

By Richard Emblin - May 25, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro renewed calls to rebuild Gran Colombia as a 21st-century regional alliance. Speaking in Ecuador, he proposed integration with Venezuela and Panama, advocating for shared citizenship, digital infrastructure, and energy cooperation, while warning of rising authoritarianism and foreign interference in Latin America.

Colombia’s gas agenda at risk with US tariffs on Venezuelan energy imports

By Richard Emblin - March 25, 2025

The U.S. objective to impose secondary tariffs on all countries purchasing Venezuelan oil and gas has stalled President Petro’s plans for greater energy integration. Petro has urged Ecopetrol to explore Qatari gas imports amid rising domestic shortages and potential trade tensions with Washington.

Petro orders Ecopetrol to source natural gas from Qatar

By The City Paper Staff - March 11, 2025

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has called for diversifying natural gas imports, ordering state-owned Ecopetrol to source from Qatar in order to reduce costs and end reliance on the U.S. His proposal comes with rising gas prices, inflation concerns, and a significant new gas discovery off Colombia’s coast.