Petrobras announced on Monday, August 3, that it had discovered gas in a high-potential deepwater area offshore Colombia.
The gas was found in the Sandia-1 exploratory well, located in the GUA-OFF-0 block in the Guajira Basin.
Sandia-1 lies 42 kilometers off the coast in waters 1,251 meters deep, around 70.7 kilometers from the city of Santa Marta.
Petrobras had already discovered high-potential reservoirs near the new well. Sandia-1 is located 18 kilometers from the Sirius-1 well and 9 kilometers from the Copoazu-1 well.
Drilling began on June 12 and reached final depth last Wednesday, July 29.
Petrobras operates Colombian block in partnership with Ecopetrol
Petrobras conducts oil and gas exploration and production in Colombia through its subsidiary Petrobras International Braspetro B.V. — Colombia Branch, known as PIB-COL.
Exploration in the Guajira Basin is being carried out in partnership with Colombia’s state-owned oil company Ecopetrol. Ecopetrol holds 55.56% of the consortium, while Petrobras holds 44.44%.
Although Petrobras has a minority stake, it is the operator of the block.
According to the company, the discovery “reinforces the gas potential of Colombia’s offshore area, adding volumes that will contribute to the region’s energy security.”
Petrobras said the gas found at Sandia-1 is being evaluated in detail through well logs and will be characterized through laboratory analysis.
The Brazilian state-controlled company said its operations off Colombia’s coast are aligned with its long-term strategy of rebuilding oil and gas reserves by exploring new frontiers and working in partnership with other companies.
The strategy, Petrobras said, contributes to meeting global energy demand during the energy transition.
Guajira Basin seen as part of equatorial margin
The Guajira Basin can be understood as part of the equatorial margin, Petrobras Exploration and Production Director Sylvia Anjos said on December 5, 2024.
At the time, Petrobras said it had discovered the largest natural gas reservoir in Colombia’s history in the region.
Despite the large gas volumes, the Brazilian company said at the time that production would be directed to Colombia’s domestic gas market because of the country’s strong demand.
Brazil’s own equatorial margin
In Brazil, Petrobras obtained a license from the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources, or Ibama, in October 2025 to explore for oil along the country’s equatorial margin.
The area is considered highly promising and has been described as a potential “new pre-salt.” Environmental groups, however, have raised concerns about the possible impact of exploration on the region’s ecosystems.
Petrobras abroad
In addition to Colombia and Brazil, Petrobras produces oil in other countries.
In Africa, the company operates in Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and South Africa. In the Americas, it is present in Bolivia, Argentina and the United States.
Source: Agência Brasil