The contracts had never been signed and had been negotiated directly with the British company.
Martín Vizcarra’s government canceled his predecessor’s decision to award five offshore oil contracts to London-based Tullow Oil PLC shortly before resigning.
The reason, according to information from Reuters, was because of insufficient consultations with coastal residents.
“The reversal, which was published in the official gazette on Wednesday, was a victory for fishermen and environmentalists who said that exploration and drilling would have put important fisheries and whale breeding grounds at risk”, Reuters informed on Wednesday.
These contracts were never signed, according to the state energy promoter Perupetro. They came under fire after Peruvians learned that the former President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski (PPK) had signed five decrees authorizing the British oil company just before stepping down as Head of State in March, over graft allegations.
It was also known that the contracts had been negotiated directly with Tullow without giving the communities a chance to have a say in the decision-making process.
“We want a country that develops investments with peace and tranquility, and that’s done with a good start to a project,” Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva told a press conference, according to Reuters.
As for Tullow, they feel disappointed. George Cazenove, the company’s head of communications said that they have complied with the process and procedures that the Peruvian law requires.
According to the comptroller’s office, the contracts are not illegal, but the process of granting concessions should be done with more transparency.
(Source)
(Cover Photo Wikimedia Commons)
Don’t Miss:
Peru to Enable Military to Protect Oil Pipeline from Vandalism
Now that you're here:
We're asking you, our reader, to make a contribution in support of our digital guide in order to keep informing, updating and inspiring people to visit Peru. Why now? In our near 20-year journey as the leading English-language source on travel in Peru, we've had our fair share of ups and downs-but nothing quite like the challenges brought forth in the first quarter of 2020.
By adapting to the changing face of the tourism and travel industry (on both local and international levels), we have no doubt we will come out stronger-especially with the support of our community. Because you will travel again, and we will be ready to show you the best of Peru.
Your financial support means we can keep sharing the best of Peru through high-quality stories, videos and insights provided by our dedicated team of contributors and editors based in Peru. And of course, We are here to answer your questions and help whenever you need us.
As well, it makes possible our commitment to support local and small businesses that make your visit an unforgettable one. Your support will help the people working in these industries get back on their feet once the world allows us to make our dream of enjoying everything Peru has to offer a reality again-from its mouthwatering gastronomy, thriving Amazon and archaeological wonders such as Machu Picchu.
Together, we will find a way through this. As a member of our community, your contribution, however big or small, is valuable.
Support Traveling & Living in Peru from as little as $1 - and it only takes a minute. Thank you!
