Ecopetrol and CITGO Transaction to Offset Carbon

HOUSTON, Oct. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A carbon compensated crude oil cargo sold by Ecopetrol and purchased by CITGO Petroleum Corporation is currently making its way to the CITGO Corpus Christi refinery for processing. The recent transaction supports Ecopetrol's objectives on energy transition and decarbonization.

The 500,000 barrel cargo of Ecopetrol Castilla Blend® is the company's flagship crude oil and one of the main references of heavy crude in the region and the international market.

"We plan to sell a total of four carbon-compensated crude oil cargoes this year," said Pedro Manrique, Ecopetrol Commercial Vice President, "and we hope to achieve this goal by working closely with companies like CITGO and others who share our vision on energy transition and decarbonization. It is essential as an industry to contribute to the goals that the world has set for climate change mitigation."

As part of the transaction, Ecopetrol has arranged for carbon offsets for both the emissions of the cargo itself, equivalent to 16,000 tons of CO2e and, for the first time, the emissions associated with the maritime transportation of the crude to the CITGO terminal in the U.S. Gulf Coast (USGC), estimated on 1.110 tons of CO2e. Both will be offset by carbon credits generated through a Verified Carbon Standard ("VCS") certified natural climate solutions project located in Colombia´s western region. The project reduces deforestation and degradation of forests, protects its biodiversity, and supports local communities.

"CITGO is pleased to participate in this important initiative that protects the environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions," said Karl Schmidt, CITGO Vice President Supply and Marketing. "Purchasing this cargo from Ecopetrol, a great partner with a firm commitment to decarbonization, inspires us to advance our efforts in this area."

The carbon compensation for the Ecopetrol/CITGO transaction offsets direct emissions generated along the crude oil value chain, which includes production, dilution, transportation into the Coveñas terminal located on the Atlantic Coast of Colombia and maritime transportation to Corpus Christi, Texas.

The Ecopetrol Group plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050.

About Ecopetrol

Ecopetrol is the largest company in Colombia and one of the main integrated energy companies in the American continent, with more than 18,000 employees. In Colombia, it is responsible for more than 60% of the hydrocarbon production of most transportation, logistics, and hydrocarbon refining systems, and it holds leading positions in the petrochemicals and gas distribution segments. With the acquisition of 51.4% of ISA's shares, the company participates in energy transmission, the management of real-time systems (XM), and the Barranquilla - Cartagena coastal highway concession. At the international level, Ecopetrol has a stake in strategic basins in the American continent, with Drilling and Exploration operations in the United States (Permian basin and the Gulf of Mexico), Brazil, and Mexico, and, through ISA and its subsidiaries, Ecopetrol holds leading positions in the power transmission business in Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Bolivia, road concessions in Chile, and the telecommunications sector.

About CITGO

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a recognized leader in the refining industry and operates under the well-known CITGO brand. CITGO owns and operates three refineries located in Lake Charles, La.; Lemont, Ill.; and Corpus Christi, Texas, and wholly and/or jointly owns 38 active terminals, six pipelines and three lubricants blending and packaging plants. With approximately 3,300 employees and a combined crude capacity of approximately 769,000 barrels-per-day (bpd), CITGO ranks as the fifth-largest and is one of the most complex independent refiners in the United States. CITGO transports and markets transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products, and supplies a network of approximately 4,300 locally owned and independently operated branded retail outlets, all located east of the Rocky Mountains. CITGO Petroleum Corporation is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc.

SOURCE CITGO Corporation