Energy
Exports of Colombian gas to Venezuela declined to 60 million cubic feet per day (cbpd) in January compared with an average of 179 cbpd last year, the US oil company Chevron reported on Tuesday.

The sharp decline in gas supply could further increase energy problems in the western region of Venezuela. This part of the country has been affected by serious power outages that may last seven hours, due to the energy crisis.

"Average export in January amounted to 60 million cbpd," said the oil company in a statement sent to Reuters.

The capacity of the gas pipeline, inaugurated by Presidents Alvaro Uribe and Hugo Chávez in October 2007, is 500 million cbpd and it has carried up to 300 million cbpd in recent years.

Gas demand in Colombia has increased in order to supply thermal power plants. Colombian authorities have implemented a rationing plan which has affected the use of hydroelectric plants to address the lack of rain in the Andean region.