Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) is temporarily stopping the export of natural gas to its neighbor Colombia due to "climate factors," as confirmed by the Colombian Mines and Energy Ministry on Friday, Jan. 1, according to a report from Reuters.

The report continued that the ministry revealed that PDVSA cited "climate variability" as a primary reason for the exports' delay in a letter to the Colombian government on Wednesday.

Ecopetrol, the Colombian state oil company, has asked its Venezuelan counterpart for the projected date of the exports to begin.

These gas exports are reportedly part of an agreement between Venezuela and Colombia, which includes a provision that the countries can supply their own markets as necessary before exporting to their neighbor. Colombia was a significant supplier of gas to Venezuela for eight years, and the exchange was set to be reversed on Jan. 1.

"The contract specifies the delivery of 39 million cubic feet a day from Venezuela, which corresponds to just over three percent of daily supply in Colombia," the Colombian Mines and Energy Ministry statement said.

A report from Fox News also cited the need to generate electricity as one of the reasons for pulling back on the gas exports. Both countries have experienced an El Niño-triggered drought recently, reducing levels of hydroelectric dams as of late, although the statement from the ministry did not elaborate on this.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) revealed that Venezuela has massive natural gas reserves, standing second only to the U.S. However, the country has been consuming massive amounts as well -- more than it produces -- and is trying to upgrade its infrastructure. Part of these reserves is used to generate power while a large 35 percent is allotted for the petroleum industry.

The drought has been felt throughout South America, and Venezuela is launching efforts to mitigate its effects on the country. The risks are expected to increase in 2016, so the Venezuelan government has undergone an information campaign recently to warn and inform the community on the potential crisis, according to a report from Telesur TV.

The Ecosocialism and Water Ministry has also put together a commission to protect water resources in the face of its scarcity while the government submitted a 38-page plan of its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) during the United Nations 21st Conference of the Parties. The plan includes the details of the country's intention to cut their emissions by 20 percent in 2030.