Minem expects the New Talara Refinery to be delivered before January 15

The Minister of Energy and Mines, Oscar Vera Gargurevichreported that the New Talara Refinery, operated by Petroperú, will start producing low-sulfur fuels before the end of the first half of January.

During the last conference of the Executive, the head of Minen specified that the delays registered in December were overcome, so the oil company will comply with putting into commercial operation the project called to provide quality fuels to the entire territory, as well as lower prices. competitive for the consumer.

“We expect to start the production of low sulfur fuels in 10 days. It is something important, because it is a project of high investment for the country and we consider that it is a milestone that we should all know about, ”he said.

On the other hand, Minister Vera Gargurevich announced that the contract for Block 192 will be signed with Petroperú in the first days of February. It should be remembered that, as of July 25, 2022, Perupetro has the green light to sign this License Agreement for the exploitation of hydrocarbons until 2053.

The New Talara Refinery, which will increase Petroperú’s capacity to convert oil into low-sulfur fuels in northern Peru -it will go from 60,000 to 95,000 barrels per day-, was due to be delivered in the last quarter of 2022. However, the delay in the gradual start-up of some treatment units, as a result of the protests over the change of command, prevented their full entry into commercial operation.

Precisely, the 12,000 barrels of heavy crude oil production that Block 192 can provide are crucial to make the most of the capacity of the new plant. However, to optimize their performance, they must be mixed with the light crude oil from the lots located in Talara itself, today in private hands, but about to be reverted to the Peruvian State.