Uncertainty weighs on the Andean energy sector
Collapsing governments and crackdown on public dissent showcase growing instability
Political risk is in the ascendancy across the Andean region of Latin America after a year marked by protests, violent repression and musical chairs at the top of government. Peru and Ecuador have been hit particularly hard by the recent turmoil. In May, Ecuadorian president Guillermo Lasso triggered a new general election to avoid impeachment, while Peruvian President Pedro Castillo was ousted from power in December after attempting a coup d’etat against his own government. Widespread demonstrations and violence have rocked both countries, but Ecuador’s oil and gas sector has been especially affected. “Protests [have] resulted in an 11% fall in production by NOC Petroecuador so far this y

Also in this section
7 August 2025
Without US backing, the EU’s newest sanctions package against Russia—though not painless—is unlikely to have a significant impact on the country’s oil and gas revenues or its broader economy
6 August 2025
Diesel market disruptions have propelled crude prices above $100/bl twice in this century, and now oil teeters on the brink of another crude quality crisis
5 August 2025
After failed attempts to find a buyer for its stake in Russia’s largest oil producer, BP may be able to avoid the harsh treatment meted out to ExxonMobil and Shell when they exited—and could even restart operations if geopolitical conditions improve
1 August 2025
A number of companies have filed arbitration claims against Gazprom over non-deliveries of contracted gas or other matters—and won. The next step is to collect the award, but this is no easy task