Peru: Puno has potential to increase natural gas reserves

13:13 | Lima, Jun. 24.

Energy and Mines Minister Jorge Montero received Puno Region Governor Richard Hancco with whom he discussed the natural gas massive use projects currently underway, as well as the private initiative to bring this affordable fuel to Peru’s southern regions.

Montero indicated that, to date, the State-run Private Investment Promotion Agency (ProInversion) has been providing technical support to the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) to advance the proposal for the massive use of natural gas in the seven regions of central and southern Peru, with the aim of improving coordination and moving forward with projects so that more families can benefit from this resource.

The Minem's head stated that Puno region has great gas potential, as it is home to part of the natural gas reserve located in the Madre de Dios basin.

"Puno has its own Candamo deposit, of 3 trillion cubic feet, (located) just 41 kilometers from the Interoceanic Highway," he added.

Montero highlighted the importance of attracting more investment to increase the country's gas reserves, emphasizing that the use of modern technology —with full respect for surrounding communities and the environment— will enable the sustainable development of operations that contribute to the population’s economic and social growth.

In turn, Deputy Hydrocarbons Minister Iris Cardenas stated that, in the coming days, specialists from the Energy Social Inclusion Fund (FISE) would conduct a technical visit to the site located in the populated center of Jayllihuaya, Puno district, to assess the conditions for installing natural gas infrastructure.

"We are making progress with the bidding process for the massive use of natural gas in the region, which includes the construction of a Satellite Regasification Plant for Liquefied Natural Gas, five kilometers of distribution networks, and approximately 1,000 connection pipelines in the first year," she added.

Meanwhile, Governor Hancco emphasized the importance of advancing access to natural gas for his population, including more provinces.

He stressed that the Bonogas program, which finances the cost of natural gas connection for the most vulnerable households, will provide greater support to families.

(END) NDP/JJN/JMP/MVB

Published: 6/24/2025