On February 4, the French and Dutch embassies in Peru issued a statement addressed to the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They showed their concern about the air operations’ continuity between Peru and Europe.
This message was issued after the «La Pampilla» refinery, operated by the Spanish company Repsol, stopped its operations on February 1. This occurred by express order of the Peruvian government.
The stoppage was decreed after the ecological disaster that took place on January 15. At that time an average of 11,900 oil barrels were spilled into the Peruvian sea in Ventanilla.
The Peruvian government stated the interruption of the activities at «La Pampilla» refinery was necessary. Given that the company does not have appropriate plans to face a contingency like the one that occurred on January 15.
“La Pampilla” is the largest refinery in Peru in volume of refined oil each day, processing around 120,000 barrels per day and supplying 40% of the Peruvian fuel market.
Regarding the fuel supply for aircraft at the Jorge Chávez International Airport, “La Pampilla” provides 75% of the fuel for them.
This is why the French and Dutch embassies in Peru expressed their interest and concern in guaranteeing operations between Peru and Europe.
However, the embassies’ main concern is the supply of fuel to the Air France/KLM aircraft in Peru, since Repsol supplies 70% of the fuel both carriers use for their operations in the country.
Fuel shortage
According to what was expressed by the embassies, as of the date the statement was issued, there was fuel for only 15 more days, to supply the eleven weekly operations that the airlines Air France and KLM have in Peru.
The embassies requested the Peruvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its special and urgent attention to this matter, to guarantee the fuel supply to ensure air operations’ continuity.
Nevertheless, Peru finds itself in a very complex situation as it cannot guarantee the supply of fuel for aircraft operating in the country.
As a result, the Peruvian government is negotiating with Ecuadorian and Colombian companies for a possible fuel supply for the country.
The Peruvian government is daily monitoring its fuel inventories, as well as evaluating other possible supply scenarios.
Jorge Chávez International Airport has more than 250 daily operations, between domestic and international flights.
Fuel shortages would represent a major threat to the country’s connectivity and to its economy.
A possible fuel shortage would generate a new crisis for the aeronautical sector that is currently trying to recover from the crisis caused by COVID-19.
A new crisis in the sector would have serious consequences and an uncertain future for a solution.
