The government has announced temporary remote learning for public and private schools in Lima Metropolitana and the Constitutional Province of Callao until March 14. This measure is part of ongoing efforts to reduce city traffic and fuel consumption, following a gas pipeline incident at KP 43 in Megantoni district, Cusco.
Exceptions will be made for schools that lack digital platforms or connectivity. These institutions may continue with in-person classes after notifying their local education authority (UGEL) and parents. “Preschools, by necessity, are a good example to responsibly apply this exception,” said the President of the Council of Ministers.
Authorities are also monitoring repairs on the affected pipeline. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported that the initial 14-day repair schedule set by Transportadora de Gas del Perú (TGP) remains unchanged. All necessary machinery has been delivered, and operational work is set to begin on Monday.
Medical teams from the Ministry of Health have examined around 600 people in Saringabeni and Timpia communities near the incident site. No health effects linked to the event were found.
Regulatory agencies have increased inspections at gas stations to prevent price speculation and ensure proper fuel distribution. The National Institute for Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) is supervising service stations across Lima Metropolitana to confirm that fuel prices and availability are clearly communicated to customers.
If evidence emerges of anti-competitive practices such as price fixing or market allocation, administrative procedures will be initiated according to law. Inspections are also being carried out in several regions across Peru, including Amazonas, Áncash, Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Cusco, Huancavelica, Ica, Junín, Huánuco, La Libertad, Lambayeque, Loreto, Madre de Dios, Moquegua, Pasco, Piura, Puno, San Martín, Tacna, Tumbes and Ucayali. According to authorities’ findings so far, changes in fuel prices are due to logistical or market factors rather than coordinated behavior among competitors. Indecopi will continue monitoring to uphold free competition for consumers’ benefit.
The Supervisory Agency for Investment in Energy and Mining (Osinergmin) has approved exceptional measures aimed at improving fuel supply logistics during this emergency. Through a new resolution (n° 40-2026-OS/CD), Osinergmin allows operators more flexibility in using trucks and tankers registered under the same operator for transporting diesel in compartments usually reserved for gasoline or gasohol. Bulk LPG distributors can now use their tanker trucks for additional transport activities as well. Producers and marketers may use supply plants other than those they are normally registered with to reinforce distribution networks.
“Preschools, by necessity, are a good example to responsibly apply this exception,” said the President of the Council of Ministers.
