NEWS RELEASE

In view of the forceful measures and threats with firearms that are being promoted by AIDECOBAP against the oil activity in Block 95, located in the district of Puinahua (Requena - Loreto), PetroTal - a company led and operated by Peruvians - informs the public the following:

- We alert the Government and public opinion that acts of violence have been carried out by AIDECOBAP supporters against the citizens of Bretaña (capital of Puinahua) who oppose the measures of force called by said association. In their public communiqués, they have encouraged their followers to protest with spears and firearms and, as a consequence, there have been attacks on the population, a situation that threatens their rights and threatens their jobs and income.

- We regret that AIDECOBAP maintains a belligerent posture and has abandoned the space for dialogue promoted by the Government. PetroTal abstained from participating in the coordination meeting of November 5, called by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, due to the lack of minimum security conditions, which was duly informed.

- Since January of this year, PetroTal allocates 2.5% of its controlled crude oil production to the Puinahua District Development Fund for the care, development and post-oil life of the district. The implementation promoted by PetroTal through the amendment of the License Contract aims to protect this fund in a contract law and establish a mechanism that directly contributes to the sustainable development of the district.

- In response to the request of the population, it was agreed to deliver, on a one-time basis, the Extraordinary Economic Solidarity Contribution to the citizens of the district for more than S/. 4 million to alleviate their economy after the impact of the pandemic. To date, the fund has more than S/ 26 million and in a scenario of full operation of Block 95, as well as uninterrupted oil transportation in the district, the fund could reach S/ 100 million by the end of 2023.  

    - According to Perupetro's figures, as of August of this year, PetroTal produces an average of 15 thousand barrels per day (bpd), but has the potential to reach 25 thousand bpd if the Norperuvian Pipeline - inactive for more than eight months - is reactivated and if it is not paralyzed by strikes such as the one called by AIDECOBAP. In other words, the company could contribute more than 50% of the national oil production, which would generate an important injection of resources for the State and especially for the Loreto region.

    - We call for dialogue and peace in Puinahua. AIDECOBAP's strike generates the risk of confrontations between Peruvians and breaks the harmony that characterizes the district. An eventual stoppage of Block 95 will harm everyone: the population, the Government, the Development Fund, PetroTal and the regional companies, as happened in the March protest that lasted for more than a month.