The Ministry of Environment and Energy announced on April 2 that more than 19.3 million barrels of Ecuadorian crude oil have been transported to international markets so far in 2026 through state-owned EP FLOPEC vessels.
This development is part of government strategies aimed at strengthening the hydrocarbon sector and increasing fiscal revenue. Inés Manzano, Minister of Environment and Energy, said these actions are included in strategic plans designed to boost the industry and create a market dynamic that supports national finances. “En lo que va del año se han movilizado 8.3 millones de barriles de Crudo Napo y alrededor de 11 millones de petróleo tipo Crudo Oriente, lo cual demuestra la confianza del mercado global en nuestro hidrocarburo,” Manzano said.
EP FLOPEC has used Aframax, Suezmax, and Panamax vessels for these shipments. The main destinations for Ecuador’s crude include the United States, Panama, Chile, and Peru.
Forecasts from EP Petroecuador indicate that between May and December 2026 there will be shipments of 181 cargoes of Napo and Oriente crude oils, with an average volume of about 360,000 barrels per shipment. This outlook supports Ecuador’s continued efforts to compete in the global hydrocarbons market.
According to commercial data from EP FLOPEC, an average of sixteen ships per month departed during 2025 carrying more than 124 million barrels of national crude oil.
Officials say that firm decisions within the hydrocarbons sector are helping consolidate an industry intended to drive development for Ecuadorians by enabling competitive transactions that position Ecuador as a potential global oil supplier.
