The strike was called by the Defense Front of Ucayali and regional transport associations, marking the first major labor action under President Keiko Fujimori’s government. Demonstrators blocked roads in the Amazon northeast and Andean-coastal southwest regions, with Pucallpa experiencing fuel shortages, extended queues at gas stations, and transport disruptions affecting commercial supply chains. In Loreto, transit restrictions raised concerns about goods movement given the region’s transport dependence. Arequipa suspended school classes due to the strike, while Tacna entered its second day of mobilizations.
Peru produces approximately 40,000 barrels of fuel daily against a requirement of 300,000 barrels, creating heavy import dependence. The Petroperú crisis compounded supply problems as cargo ships awaited payment before unloading petroleum products. The crisis coincides with the 2026 coastal El Niño phenomenon, which generated additional speculation pressure on fuel and fertilizer markets.
The government responded by establishing the META mechanism to deliver targeted subsidies to cargo, passenger, river, and mototaxi transporters. Ucayali’s regional governor Manuel Gambini declared the strike concluded after reaching agreements with transport unions, though certain sectors continued demonstrations. The administration declared a fuel supply emergency in Ucayali. The protests resulted in 14 injured police officers, 10 injured civilians, 13 detentions, and one non-protester fatality. In Arequipa, transport operators also contested municipal decisions to set bus fares at 1 sol versus their proposed 1.30 soles, adding local pricing disputes to the national fuel cost crisis.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
