The Ecuadorian government has officially launched the Intracampos III bidding round, a process aimed at attracting over $360 million in investments for the development of three oil blocks in Sucumbíos province. The announcement was made during a public event in Quito on November 19.
The three blocks included in this round are Lumbaqui (#11), Tetete Sur (#95), and Pañayacu Norte (#98). The government estimates that developing these areas could increase national crude oil production by up to 12,000 barrels per day. The economic resources from this initiative will be used to boost exploratory activities and implement social compensation programs for Amazonian communities.
Each block is located between existing production zones and comes with detailed technical information. They also have access to current hydrocarbon transport infrastructure, including SOTE and OCP pipelines. Contracts awarded through this process will follow a Participation Model, meaning that private operators must provide all necessary financial and technical resources. The Ecuadorian state will not invest directly in these projects.
Minister of Environment and Energy Inés María Manzano attended the event and described the process as key to the government’s plans for increasing production and creating development opportunities for local communities. “We estimate that this round will generate around 750 jobs, prioritizing Amazonian communities. Because our development strategy is inclusive. It is not only about producing more but producing better and generating opportunities where there has been inequality for decades,” she said.
Details about each block are as follows:
– Lumbaqui: Estimated reserves of 164 million barrels with an API gravity of 26–31°, expected to contribute 8,500 barrels per day.
– Tetete Sur: Estimated reserves of 13.68 million barrels with an API gravity of 22–26°, expected output is 1,500 barrels per day.
– Pañayacu Norte: Estimated reserves of 36.26 million barrels with an API gravity of 22–33°, projected contribution is 2,200 barrels per day.
The roadmap anticipates contract signing in the second half of 2026. All blocks were selected to avoid areas within the National System of Protected Areas, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations by participating companies.
According to officials, these efforts align with policies designed to attract investment, strengthen industry, and improve living standards across Ecuador.
