Gas from Piura gaining importance for northern Peru. Increasing production, large reserves, and new infrastructure projects could turn the Piura region into a significant energy hub in northern Peru. This isn't just about supplying households. Natural gas could potentially supply power plants and industrial companies in several regions of northern Peru. Additionally, a petrochemical industry is planned for Paita.
Gas from Piura: 145 billion cubic feet proven
According to its own statements, Olympic Perú has 145 billion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves in Piura. Production has increased significantly in recent years. In 2024, Olympic produced approximately 25 million cubic feet daily. In 2025, it was already 40 million. For 2026, the target is around 50 million cubic feet daily.
The company also operates more than 100 kilometers of its own pipelines. According to the company, about 60 percent of the natural gas consumed in Piura comes from Olympic. However, the 145 billion cubic feet only refer to the company's proven reserves.
Gas Energy Perú estimates Piura's total possible gas potential at approximately 5.5 trillion cubic feet. This figure should not be equated with proven and economically extractable reserves. Further exploration and evaluation are necessary for that.
Gas pipeline from Piura to Lambayeque proposed
A particularly important project is a proposed gas corridor along the northern Peruvian coast. Gas Energy Perú considers a roughly 250-kilometer long gas pipeline from Piura to Eten in Lambayeque possible. The planned route would pass through Paita, Sechura, and Bayóvar.
From there, Chiclayo and other industrial areas could be supplied. In the long term, an extension towards Trujillo and Chimbote is also being discussed. This is not yet a decided construction project. Funding, permits, and a binding timeline are still missing.
Two power plants could consume large quantities of gas
Large consumers are needed for such a gas pipeline. The Eten and Recka power plants could play an important role. These plants have capacities of approximately 180 and 190 megawatts, respectively, and can be operated with gas.
According to calculations by Gas Energy, both power plants together could require approximately 80 million cubic feet of gas daily. Other customers could include industrial companies and sugar industry businesses in Lambayeque. This would create a significantly larger market for gas from Piura outside the region.
Paita to become a petrochemical site
A second important project directly concerns Paita. The Peruvian Ministry of Energy and Mines designated an area there in 2026 for a decentralized petrochemical complex. The basis for this is Ministerial Resolution No. 278-2026-MINEM/DM. The designated area covers approximately 10,979 hectares.
The ministry sees an investment potential of more than one billion US dollars there. However, the designation does not yet mean that the industrial complex will be built. It first creates the spatial and legal prerequisites for corresponding investments.
Fertilizers could be produced in Piura
The possible production of fertilizers is particularly interesting. Natural gas is an important raw material for the production of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers made from it. A petrochemical plant could therefore directly process some of the gas from Piura.
This would be more economically attractive than merely extracting the raw material. Processing, industrial jobs, and a larger share of value creation would remain in the region. The port of Paita would also be important for such an industrial site. Raw materials and finished products could be transported from there by sea.
LNG plant near Paita being investigated
Additionally, there is another gas project in the province of Paita. The Ministry of Energy and Mines granted PURE LNG S.A.C. a permit in January 2026 for technical tests of a planned liquefied natural gas plant.
The proposed location is El Tablazo near Colán, on the connection between Paita and Sullana. A commercial plant has not yet been approved. First, the technical feasibility of the project will be investigated.
What will the Piura gas projects bring?
For Piura, the projects could primarily create new sales opportunities for the existing natural gas. Higher and long-term secured demand would make further investments in exploration and production more attractive. At the same time, a pipeline could make Piura a gas supplier for other regions of northern Peru.
Even more important would be processing within Piura. A petrochemical industry in Paita could create investments and additional industrial jobs. For the Piura region, it would be crucial that natural gas is not only extracted and transported. Greater economic benefit arises when processing and value creation also take place in the region.
What has already been decided?
In Piura, natural gas is already being extracted and distributed through existing networks. The designation of Paita as a zone for the development of a petrochemical complex is also official. In Colán, the technical feasibility of an LNG plant is also being investigated.
The situation is different for the planned gas pipeline. The approximately 250-kilometer connection from Piura to Eten is currently a proposal and not a decided construction project. Funding, permits, and the start of construction have not yet been determined.
Piura thus possesses large natural gas reserves and several concrete development opportunities. Whether this will lead to a larger gas and industrial center depends primarily on investments, new customers, and the expansion of infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions about gas from Piura
How much natural gas does Piura have?
Olympic Perú reports 145 billion cubic feet of proven reserves. Gas Energy Perú estimates the region's total potential significantly higher.
How much gas does Olympic plan to produce in 2026?
Olympic aims for a production of approximately 50 million cubic feet of natural gas daily in 2026.
Is the gas pipeline to Lambayeque already under construction?
No. The approximately 250-kilometer connection from Piura to Eten is currently a proposal from Gas Energy Perú.
What is planned for Paita?
Paita has been designated as a zone for a decentralized petrochemical complex. Additionally, the feasibility of an LNG plant is being investigated near Colán.
Sources and image credits
Perú Energía, August 25, 2026: Information from Olympic Perú on 145 BCF reserves, production, and infrastructure in Piura.
El Comercio, September 10, 2026: "Masificación de gas en el norte: Gasoducto entre Piura y Chiclayo es posible, señala Gas Energy".
Ministerio de Energía y Minas / Diario Oficial El Peruano: Ministerial Resolution No. 278-2026-MINEM/DM on the Paita petrochemical development zone.
Ministerio de Energía y Minas: Directorial Resolution No. 006-2026-MINEM-DGH on the planned LNG plant.
Hero image source: Gestión / Contugas, image of work on a natural gas pipeline.
