Peruvian vehicular natural gas company EVA Energy plans to begin operations at year-end in the south of the country to support mining operations.

Company commercial manager Aldo Romero made the announcement during a local energy event where he said LNG will be used for the route from Matarani to Espinar, around 400km.

A first LNG phase is in place connecting Lima with Arequipa and stations in Mala, Nazca and La Joya, said the executive, who added that such trucks have an autonomy of 1,000-2,000km.

According to Romero, apart from the reduction in fuel costs, cargo owners are increasingly asking that their products be transported using LNG to reduce pollution.

The initial focus of EVA, which was established by Limagas and Spanish firm HAM, was the city of Cusco, where the number of natural gas-fueled vehicles reached 4,000 in 2024 compared with 600 in 2021. The number of conversion workshops is now seven compared to the original two.

He highlighted that while a gallon of regular gasoline costs 13.8 soles (US$4) in Cuzco, the equivalent for vehicular natural gas is 7.68 soles, further boosted by free conversions supported by Camisea and social energy inclusion fund FISE.

The executive said that by year-end, EVA plans to add a third station in Cusco by year-end and a station in Quillabamba, as well as LNG pumps for public transport.

The goal is to have 17 stations in place nationwide by the end of 2027, he added.