Osinergmin Escalates Pressure on Prosecutors to Release Camisea Pipeline Samples for Technical Analysis

Osinergmin confirmed its investigation into the deflagration at the KP 43 valve station in Megantoni district, Cusco region, has reached its final stage but cannot be completed because the First Provincial Corporate Criminal Prosecutor’s Office of La Convención has not authorized required forensic procedures. Metallic samples from the damaged pipeline section have remained sealed and immobilized at a storage facility in Lurín, Lima, since March 26, 2026. The regulator emphasized that laboratory chemical and metallurgical analysis of these steel fragments is indispensable for determining the physical causes of the pipeline rupture that forced temporary suspension of natural gas and natural gas liquids transport from the Camisea project.

The regulatory body has now formally requested intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Energy and Mines Ministry, and the Ombudsman’s Office to urge the National Prosecutor’s Office to expedite pending procedures. Osinergmin stated this authorization would enable prompt completion of technical evaluation, closure of the oversight phase, and application of corresponding legal measures.

The agency disclosed it has already issued three reports on the incident. The first, released in March, concluded the concessionaire failed to demonstrate exceptional conditions justifying a force majeure extension. The second and third reports, issued in late April, identified contractual breaches including insufficient gas natural flow and pressure supply to meet maximum demand between March 1 and March 13, 2026. These documents were forwarded to the Energy Ministry as the concession grantor for appropriate action within its jurisdiction.

The deflagration occurred at the valve station operated by Transportadora de Gas del Perú, triggering supply disruptions during a period of peak domestic demand. The regulatory deadlock over sample access threatens to delay final determinations on operator responsibility and potential sanctions, leaving unresolved questions about infrastructure reliability at Peru’s primary natural gas transport system that supplies power generation, industrial consumers, and residential distribution networks.