The lack of a clear strategy to restructure Petroperu and the delays in its internal transformation process are taking their toll. The oil company has begun to lose business in the sale of fuel to mining companies, which is one of the most competitive segments due to its stability in billing.
Pedro Gamio, former director of Petroperú and former vice minister of Energy, warned that the state company is in “intensive care” and that the delay in hiring an international consulting firm to restructure the company is affecting its commercial capacity.
“There is, for example, information that Petroperú would have lost an important client in the diesel sales market, an important mining company that was a historical client of Petroperú. This because the timely measure was not taken to mix it with imported diesel to ensure the quality required in the world of large-scale mining, where international standards are met,”
he told Canal N.
Erick García, hydrocarbons expert, confirmed to Perú21 that it is known in the market that Petroperú has lost clients in the mining sector due to its technical and management limitations. “Mining clients ask for better quality fuels, 15 or 20 parts per million of sulfur, but the Talara refinery is designed to produce up to 50. Petroperú could import and mix (to reduce the amount of sulfur), but it has not done so,” he explained.
“When you are a producer and marketer, you have to think about not losing the customer. You may not earn what you should, but you maintain it. That is commercial vision, and Petroperú is not having it,” he added.
Perú21 consulted Petroperú about the loss of clients in the mining sector, and the company denied having participated in the fuel tender of any large mining company.
Restructuring
García recalled that contracts with mining companies usually require high quality fuels and that failure to comply with international standards can lead to losing market share. Added to this, he said, is the uncertainty generated by the lack of a defined direction in the company, which has not yet been able to provide specialized advice for its restructuring.
Both specialists agree that the restructuring of the company is urgent. Gamio emphasized that “a top-level team” is required to accompany the process and guarantee transparency and efficiency, while García recalled that Petroperú should separate its business lines such as refining, marketing and exploration to optimize resources and results.
In addition, García warned about regulatory restrictions that limit the use of the oil company’s storage infrastructure. According to him, an Osinergmin rule that divides the country into 10 zones prevents Petroperú from renting more tanks and generating additional income. “By simply changing that rule, you could generate cash flow without making investments,” he explained.
Data
As of September 2025Petroperú’s sales decreased 1.9% compared to the same period in 2024. In addition, they are insufficient to cover operating costs and expenses.
The losses So far this year they total US$355 million.
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