said that repairs to the gas pipeline transporting natural gas liquids from Las Malvinas Plant in Camisea (Cusco region) to the country's coast may take less than the 14 days initially projected.
On Sunday, March 1, a gas leak accompanied by a deflagration was detected at a valve station located at kilometer 43 (KP 43) in Megantoni district, La Convencion province, Cusco region, which led to the suspension of natural gas liquids transport.
"With TGP present at the site and with further evaluation, it has already been foreseen that the number of days may be fewer, which gives us greater peace of mind to manage the little gas remaining in the pipeline," he said on Canal N.
In that regard, the government official specified that priority will be given to natural gas consumption at homes, mass public transport, hospitals, and even garbage collection trucks, as well as some highly critical industries.
The Cabinet member said that when the incident occurred in the gas pipeline, he was attending an international mining convention in Canada; however, as soon as the news was received, measures began to be taken to address the situation.
Therefore, a crisis committee was formed with the participation of all parties involved in the natural gas supply chain to consumers, including pipeline operator TGP, the State-run oil company Petroperu, the Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin), COES, Kallpa, and Calidda.
"To review all the variables, put all the cards on the table, and see how we address this, because it is really quite a serious problem," Alfaro indicated.
Regarding supply problems affecting taxi drivers who use CNG, he said "it is not the government's intention to shirk responsibility."
The high-ranking official said it is an unforeseen failure for which the government has absolutely no responsibility in any way.
"But yes, we have taken the bull by the horns; we have convened all the stakeholders," he emphasized.
In that regard, the minister said support is being provided to facilitate the prompt repair of the pipeline through which natural gas liquids are transported.
"Even the Armed Forces are supporting there; at this moment Army members are providing security. We have deployed helicopters from the Army and the Air Force in support to transport the largest possible amount of equipment to the site of the accident," he explained.
The Cabinet member announced that his sector will meet today with taxi drivers' representatives, joined by Deputy Transportation Minister Juan Haro, since several measures have already been taken that will be communicated to the sector.
"They will have direct engagement; we are not turning our backs on them in any way," he stated.
The government official said taxi drivers will now pay more for their fuel, which will lead to higher transport fares.
Minister Alfaro also announced that he will travel this Friday to the area where the gas pipeline incident occurred to assess progress, because he is appearing before Congress today to explain how this crisis has been handled.
"I have worked many years in the oil sector, and I am quite familiar with technical work as well," he said.
The minister indicated that, given the circumstances of this crisis, industries are being allowed to use energy sources other than natural gas, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or Diesel 2.