Petroperú opens natural gas connection at Tacna soup kitchen

During an emotional ceremony with volunteer mothers and beneficiaries, Petroperú connected the San Martín de Porres soup kitchen to the public natural gas service, located in the Cercado neighborhood of Tacna, marking a new milestone in the process of expanding its socially focused reach in the south of the country.

This soup kitchen, promoted by the San Martín de Porres Parish and led by Pastor Marco Esquicha, provides daily meals to more than 50 senior citizens, people with disabilities, and children in vulnerable situations. Thanks to this connection, significant monthly savings are estimated, which will allow us to expand service to more beneficiaries in the coming months.

"Thanks to natural gas, we will be able to feed more brothers and sisters in need. It is a blessing that improves lives and allows us to continue this work to benefit more people who come to our soup kitchen. We are grateful to Petroperú and the Ministry of Energy and Mines," said Father Marco Esquicha upon officially receiving the service. The internal installation was funded by the Bonogás program, promoted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) through the Energy Social Inclusion Fund (FISE). The service was activated, the direct responsibility of Petroperú as system administrator, in compliance with strict safety protocols and quality standards.

During the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Hydrocarbons, Iris Cárdenas Quispe, highlighted the transformative impact of natural gas in community spaces: "This soup kitchen is an example of how natural gas can serve the well-being of those most in need. At MINEM, we will continue promoting initiatives that bring energy to those who need it most."

For his part, Petroperú's general manager, Óscar Vera Gargurevich, emphasized the social role of the state-owned company in this process. “Connecting natural gas service to this soup kitchen means connecting hope for more Peruvians. This is the true essence of public service, which not only lights kitchens, but warms hearts and transforms lives. Our commitment is to work to bring natural gas to more homes, businesses, and community institutions, so they can access this clean, safe, and sustainable resource.”

Since 2020, Petroperú has managed the public natural gas distribution service in the regions of Arequipa, Moquegua, Ilo, and Tacna, commissioned by the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM). It also oversees the execution of new projects financed by the FISE (Financial Service for the Development of the Peruvian Economy), which will connect thousands of new users in the southwest of the country in the coming months.

This emblematic connection reaffirms the social focus of the process of mass natural gas use in the country, demonstrating that energy can also be a channel of solidarity, progress, and social development for more Peruvians.