When talking about gasoline should be mentioned and remember that by 2013 the demand was 60,000 barrels or 65,000 barrels per day and it was supplied by national production. However, since 2014, we have seen a sustained growth of demand for gasoline within the country and reaching values of 140,000 barrels or 150,000 barrels per day. So, gasoline demand has doubled volumetrically in the past 10 years. Although in Ecopetrol we have could be increasing our products. The Cartagena Refinery started operations in 2016 or ’17 increasing the production of fuels, including gasoline. Our current production is between 80,000 barrels and 90,000 barrels per day from both refiners. So, for these demand levels to supply the market, we do need imports of gasoline of about 60,000 barrels per day, which are also managed by Ecopetrol to ensure meeting the market demand.
To the extent that the demand is maintained at this level, our production will be sustained at about 90,000 barrels per day. So, we’ll have to meet that demand through imports. We have relevant projects in both refineries at Barrancabermeja and Cartagena, in order to ensure that we will continue improving the quality of that gasoline and lowering the sulfur levels. We want to get to be less of 10 parts per million, and also to improve the octane. And this is being executed from now to 2030 to meet the domestic regulations that is already issued and effective as to the enhancement of fuel quality. In general, in 2023, we have had a reduction in the level of imports of both diesel and gasoline. And I would like to mention that, last year in September, we started the expansion of the Cartagena refinery.
And we were able to add 6000 barrels of additional gasoline production, reducing the import level. And to the extent that the demand is maintained at this level of 140,000 barrels or — barrels per day, the inputs of gasoline will continue to be necessary to meet the demand in the country. As part of our strategy for 2040, we are not foreseeing so far increases in the refining capacity in Columbia.
Operator: Thank you. We have a finished our time. Mr. President. You can convey your final message now.
Diana Escobar: Well, thank you to all the participants, executives, and directors of Ecopetrol, the team. I would like to reiterate our willingness to continue with our roadmap and our investment portfolio for the medium and long-term strategy. Have a very good day. Thank you.
Operator: This is the end of our results conference for the second quarter of 2023. Thank you for your participation. You can disconnect now.
