Peruvian gas sector under threat

• Tweet

LIMA, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- A natural gas consortium in Peru said it was calling for security in the central part of the country from rebel forces near a natural gas pipeline.

Natural gas workers in April were kidnapped by Shining Path rebels in Cucso in central Peru. Three helicopters used by private natural gas consortium Transportadora de Gas del Peru were burned by rebel fighters in the area last weekend.

"We trust that the state will provide the resources and take the steps necessary to re-establish security in the area," the BBC reported, citing a statement issued by the consortium.

Peru's only natural gas pipeline runs through the Cusco region.

U.S. supermajor ConocoPhillips said it was transferring its holdings in two Peruvian blocks to Calgary's Gran Tierra Energy.

"It was a difficult decision to leave these blocks where we have worked so closely with communities and demonstrated our ability to work responsibly in an environmentally sensitive area," Larry Archibald, senior vice president of exploration for ConocoPhillips, said in a statement.

Conoco's divestment wasn't directly related to rebel activity.