The Ministry of Energy and Mines (mine) revealed that its sector is already in coordination with hydrocarbon companies in Colombia and Ecuador in view of the possibility of fuel shortages that could arise after the stoppage of the La Pampilla Refinery, run by Repsol.
“In the event that it continues for a period of time [con la paralización]you have to access nearby markets such as Colombia or Ecuador […] Coordination is being made with hydrocarbon companies in this region to be able to address this gap”, announced the Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons, Jorge Luis Chávez Cresta, during his participation in the Energy and Mines Commission of the Congress of the Republic.
Chávez warned that the programming of an efficient import can take between 20 to 30 days, so there is a risk of running out of fuel before this process can be carried out.
The official also specified that the La Pampilla Refinery, to date, only has availability to supply jet fuel to the market for 11 days after the suspension of loading and unloading operations due to the oil spill on the coastline.
The refinery’s participation in the fuel chain at the national level is 41%. 75% of this participation is related to TURBO, fuel destined for commercial aviation, while 68% of participation is in boat fuels.
“We are informing, taking advantage of the opportunity of this commission, the impact that could have if Repsol does not comply and continues with this measure of closure of loading and unloading and that could generate a shortage of fuel that would not only affect the city of Lima but to the south of the countryChavez said.
The deputy minister assured that the monitoring of fuel inventories is being coordinated daily with the Supervisory Body for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin), as well as evaluating possible supply scenarios.
““We are not questioning [las sanciones]. I believe that the resolution and the actions of the OEFA are within the legal framework, but we must take into account the effect that there could be with the demand or, better said, with the supply of fuel, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy and Mines.”, he pointed out.
