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Petroecuador SOTE pipeline fire and disruption

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-10 15:24 UTC → 2026-10-13 01:37 UTC · added removed

Following a fire at pumping station number four of the Trans-Ecuadorian Oil Pipeline System (SOTE) in Baeza on October 1, Petroecuador declared force majeure on October 3. The incident forced a temporary suspension of crude oil pumping, affecting transport, exploration, production, refining, and commercialization. By October 6, Petroecuador reported that crude oil pumping had resumed after recovering five pumping units, restoring transport capacity to approximately 220,000 barrels per day. During the disruption, SOTE transport dropped by 37% compared to its yearly average, necessitating the diversion of some production to the Heavy Crude Pipeline (OCP). On October 9, Petroecuador lifted the declaration of force majeure after operational conditions stabilized. The company successfully recovered a sixth pumping unit at the Baeza station, which increased crude oil transport capacity from the Amazon region to the Esmeraldas maritime terminals to 312,000 barrels per day. Petroecuador stated that the return to normal operations ensures the continuity of exploration, production, refining, and both domestic and international crude oil deliveries. Technical teams continue to conduct analyses On October 12, a new emergency occurred when a fissure was detected at kilometer 420+840 near the Cupa precinct in the Quinindé canton, Esmeraldas province. More than 50 technicians were deployed to determine contain the root cause spill, repair the infrastructure, and protect nearby water sources, such as the Cupa River, using containment barriers and absorbent materials. The incident has raised concerns regarding the reliability of the fire. SOTE system, which experts note is over 50 years old.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-13 01:37 UTC Petroecuador SOTE pipeline fire and disruption
  2. 2026-10-10 15:24 UTC Petroecuador SOTE pipeline fire and disruption
  3. 2026-10-06 13:02 UTC Petroecuador SOTE pipeline fire and disruption

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