YPFB’s Sica Sica terminal in Chile suspended for violations; government assures ships have arrived to deliver diesel to the country

Arica Governor’s Palace Orders immediate suspension of operations at the Sica Sica Marine Terminal, a property of Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB)The measure was taken due to “non-compliance identified in terminal operations, which posed risks to maritime and environmental safety”.

But this Thursday, President Luis Arce Catacora assured that four ships loaded with diesel were ready to unload the fuel and put an end to the shortage of the product, which has worsened since last week and is being addressed. Transformed into long queues at the water pumps on the national axis.

According to a resolution issued by Chile’s maritime authorities, the Sica Sica terminal does not meet safety and operational standards established by national regulations.

The reasons cited included inadequate maintenance of facilities, problems with ship docking and undocking operations, and possible pollution risks.

Bolivian state-owned oil company Petrobo has been informed of the resolution and has been given a deadline to submit a detailed corrective action plan. It will remain disabled until improvements are verified and all requirements established by the port’s captain are met.

Impact on YPFB operations

The suspension of the West Kashika Marine Terminal will have a significant impact on YPFB’s operations, particularly on fuel supplies to Bolivia. The situation could lead to shortages in some parts of the country.

Currently, the country is under an indefinite lockdown, requiring the regulation of diesel supply.

Before learning of the suspension, the state-owned company claimed that there were climate issues in Arica, which it said was preventing the normal discharge of products, but the Chilean media denied this was the case.

YPFB said the terminals all have their own characteristics and particularities, so being close to each other would not necessarily bring the same restrictions to both.

Action To this day, the Sica Sica terminal is still affecteddue to the state of the sea and adverse weather conditions, the vessels docked at the terminal remain anchored at the terminal awaiting favorable conditions,” YPFB reported in a statement.