Peru declares emergency over hydrocarbon supply in Amazon region

Peru's government has declared a one-year state of emergency for hydrocarbon supply in the Amazonian region of Ucayali, responding to escalating protests and transport strikes. Demonstrations began Monday over significant increases in diesel and gasoline prices, which the government attributes to external factors like the Middle East conflict and global distribution challenges.

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our government has the obligation to have responses when external causes affect the quality of life of compatriots

As an extraordinary measure, President Keiko Fujimori announced a targeted subsidy of 15-20% for fuel prices, benefiting freight and passenger transporters, including mototaxi and river transport operators. Fujimori stated the government's obligation to address issues affecting citizens' quality of life.

The Ministry of Energy and Minas formalized the emergency declaration through a resolution, citing Ucayali's vulnerability in storage and commercialization infrastructure, limited autonomy, and reliance on land transport from the coast. These factors can disrupt supply and increase fuel costs.

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This provision will allow short-term measures to provide greater security to the supply in the region, contributing to ensuring the continuity of economic, basic, and essential activities, necessary for social development and well-being in the Ucayali region.

The ministry aims to increase the region's fuel reserves from the current 1.5-3 days of consumption to seven days. This will enhance the region's resilience against supply chain disruptions and curb price speculation. The regulatory body OSINERGMIN will implement necessary transitional measures to manage the emergency.

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This measure constitutes a concrete response to the situation registered in Ucayali, and is added to the targeted subsidy for diesel aimed at cargo and passenger transport nationwide.