Colombian gas sector regulator Creg has published draft guidelines that would allow oil pipelines to be repurposed for natural gas transport,.

The proposed regulations aim to encourage investment in converting existing crude oil infrastructure that is underutilized or being phased out, Creg said. The overhaul would specifically facilitate the connection of offshore gas projects and regasification terminals to the national transport network.

"The conversion of hydrocarbon infrastructure to natural gas transportation responds to one of several actions that Creg is implementing to guarantee reliability and security in the supply of natural gas," Creg Director Antonio Jiménez said in a statement.

A draft resolution, now open for public consultation, outlines methodologies for investments and operational expenses, including formulas and criteria for remuneration.

Creg said the new framework would enable converted pipelines to begin operating more quickly and at a lower cost compared to building new pipelines. This, in turn, would lead to lower costs for end-users, including households, industries, and thermoelectric power generators.

"When the resolution is applied, strategic projects such as the Jobo-Vasconia connection, with a capacity of 400 million cubic feet per day, can be put into operation sooner," Creg said.

The Bogotá-based body said the move would allow Colombia to prioritize domestically produced gas while also enabling imports during periods of high demand.