Overview
- National oil-worker federations have confirmed a Jan. 19 nationwide strike against an emergency decree they describe as a covert privatization.
- Demonstrations this week in Lima, Talara and Iquitos launched a broader campaign, with unions rejecting concessions of refineries, sales plants and the Norperuano pipeline.
- Lawmakers from several parties, including Fuerza Popular’s Martha Moyano, have denounced any privatization push and questioned advancing it under a transitional administration.
- Management turmoil deepened with conflicting reports on whether general manager Rita López Saavedra resigned or reversed course, as Economy Minister Denisse Miralles publicly backed her.
- Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez argues Petroperú is bankrupt, while unions warn private operators would not assume the company’s debts and that fuel prices could rise; a Minem advisor also faces calls for investigation over alleged misconduct.