Colombia Gas Reserves Stay Near 18-Year Low as Shortfall Deepens

Colombia's natural gas reserves stood near an 18-year low in 2025, intensifying the nation's need to secure additional import capacity amidst a widening domestic shortfall. The country's proven reserves of natural gas, which stood at 3.06 trillion cubic feet (tcf) at the end of 2023, are projected to last only 6.8 years at current consumption rates. This dwindling supply poses a significant challenge for Colombia, which relies heavily on domestic production for its energy needs. The government has been exploring options to augment supply, including the potential for increased imports and the development of new exploration blocks. However, securing new import infrastructure, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, requires substantial investment and time. The current reserves level reflects a trend of declining discoveries and increased consumption over the past decade. Without intervention, the shortfall could impact industrial users and residential consumers, potentially leading to higher energy prices and supply disruptions. The Ministry of Mines and Energy has indicated that it is actively working on strategies to address the energy security concerns related to natural gas.