The Peruvian government has announced a temporary increase in the value of the Energy Social Inclusion Fund (FISE) voucher for purchasing 10-kilogram gas cylinders. The voucher will rise from S/20 to S/30 for a period of 30 days. According to Denisse Miralles, President of the Council of Ministers, this measure aims to help low-income families maintain access to essential fuel during the current contingency period.
“The amount of the voucher will increase from S/20 to S/30 for a period of 30 days, which will benefit more than 1.3 million households, equivalent to approximately five million Peruvians,” Miralles stated.
The decision follows a recent gas leak in Megantoni district, Cusco, which has affected both the population and economic activities. The government remains on alert to address the energy contingency and is taking specific actions in Lima Metropolitana and Callao to ensure gas supply for over two million households and maintain essential services.
“In this context, this morning we have prioritized actions together with the sectors of Energy and Mines, Production, Economy, Education and Labor, as well as oversight measures to prevent speculation in the fuel market,” Miralles said after meeting with cabinet ministers.
Further measures include approving legal provisions to release fuel reserves and strengthen domestic supply. The Ministry of Energy and Mines will authorize this release and temporarily relax requirements on blending fuels with biofuels and other production standards to increase market availability.
Miralles explained that rationalizing natural gas usage would ensure supply for key activities such as health services, food industries, basic utilities, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, financial systems, electoral processes, security, and internal order.
Support for transport workers is also planned. The government will implement compensation for taxi drivers whose vehicles were converted to natural gas by covering their minimum monthly conversion debt payments during the contingency period. This benefit will apply to around 165,000 converted vehicles.
To maintain economic activity and public sector operations during the contingency period in Lima Metropolitana and Callao, telework arrangements will be implemented in public institutions. Private sector companies are encouraged to adopt remote work or advance vacation time where possible.
In education, all schools—public or private—as well as institutes and universities in Lima and Callao will switch to remote classes for one week.
Efforts are also being intensified against speculative practices in fuel markets. Indecopi will step up monitoring at fuel stations to prevent hoarding while Osinergmin increases supervision over fuel distribution. In addition, hoarding during emergencies will be classified as a serious offense under consumer protection regulations.
Lastly, it was announced that the president and cabinet ministers will visit Megantoni district in Cusco tomorrow to oversee repair work at KP-43 and efforts aimed at restoring natural gas transportation.
“We continue working together with all stakeholders to reverse this situation for the benefit of all Peruvians by ensuring energy supply, protecting vulnerable families and guaranteeing continuity of essential services,” Miralles concluded.
