SPH: Government must assess daily potential of more than 42,000 barrels of oil in Loreto

The Peruvian Hydrocarbons Society (SPH) He considered it “essential” that the Government turn its efforts to Loreto, a region that has the capacity to produce at least 42,000 barrels per day, but which today barely reaches just over 15%.

Through a statement, the SPH welcomed the return of Petroperú to upstream activities with the operation of the Lote I on the north coast of the country, which will allow it to produce around 500 barrels of crude oil per day. However, he warned of an “impossibility” of exploiting the hydrocarbon potential in the jungle, explained by the high social conflict associated with “legitimate demands of the population” that have not been met with the efficiency and urgency they require.

“The past Government approved a Gap Closure Plan (PCB), but the current government administration has not allocated a budget for 2022 to many of these important works that will promote other productive activities, community businesses and create employment,” the note refers .

In this sense, the SPH suggested to the Ministry of Economy a model of ‘unlocking table’ to promote the PCB, but it is not known if any measure will finally be adopted to accelerate the development of public investment projects for Loreto.

“While these commitments continue not to be fulfilled in a sufficient way to generate a positive impact on the economy of the region, lots 95 and 67 operate at their minimum capacity and lots 192 and 8 they are completely unemployed without the necessary implementation to date for them to start their operations and generate the royalties and canon that Loreto needs, “said the organization.

SPH: Lot 95 at risk

In the case of Petrotal, operator of the Lot 95, the SPH warned that the approval of its budget of 525 million soles for next year would be put at risk.

“Right now the barges with oil production cannot be transported because a group of people have maintained control of the Curaray river for more than 60 days without the General Directorate of Captaincies and Coast Guard (DICAPI) and any authority in charge of guaranteeing the state of right, has assumed its functions to resolve this situation, “he revealed.

Finally, he criticized that, after two months, The new Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons has not yet been appointed and that, on the other hand, the director of the General Hydrocarbons Directorate has been changed without there being a replacement. This orphanage of authorities does a lot of damage to the sector.

“Faced with these serious events, the SPH reiterates its commitment to work for the country, but as a counterpart it is required that the government take concrete measures in the same direction. We call for urgent and effective action so that in 2022 we can regain social peace, effectively comply with the plan to close gaps and reactivate oil production and investment in exploration to stop being a country dependent on exports of fuels ”, the letter ends.