The shortage of natural gas in Lima has sparked concern among authorities, companies and families in recent days. The reduction in supply affected key sectors such as energy generation, public transportation and some health services. Faced with this scenario, the Government implemented temporary measures with the aim of reducing fuel consumption in the capital while seeking to stabilize supply.
One of the points that generated the most doubts among parents is related to the start of the school year in state schools. The proximity of the return to classes coincided with the energy crisis, which raised questions about possible delays or changes in the educational modality.
The Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Education responded to these concerns in the midst of the announcement of temporary virtual classes in private institutions and teleworking measures in the public sector. The authorities insisted that the objective of these decisions is to ensure sufficient fuel for the days before the start of the school year.
Despite the energy crisis, the Government maintains the scheduled date for the start of the school year in public schools. The authorities reiterated that the in-person return will take place on March 16as scheduled.
During the dialogue on the gas situation, the representative of the Executive recalled the educational calendar. “On March 16, public schools return to classes,” he said.
The Government’s strategy aims to ensure fuel supply before that date. For this, it is promoted a reduction in consumption during the previous days.
“To ensure that all public and private sectors have the start of the school year assured (…) we can have this fuel savings these five days,” explained the official.
In this way, face-to-face education in state schools remains within the official schedulewhile temporary measures seek to avoid greater pressure on the energy system.
While the fuel saving plan is being implemented, the Ministry of Education established specific measures for the educational system in Metropolitan Lima and Callao.
The Vice-Ministerial Resolution No. 033-2026-MINEDU establishes mandatory virtual classes in private schools until March 14. The decision seeks to contribute to the reduction of gas consumption while work related to the Camisea pipeline continues.
In parallel, the Regional Directorate of Education of Metropolitan Lima issued the Communiqué No. 01-2026in which he details the temporary functioning of public institutions.
“The Regional Directorate of Education of Metropolitan Lima (DRELM) informs the educational community of the following,” the document indicates. The text confirms the application of teleworking in educational entities in the capital.
“The UGEL and the public educational institutions of Metropolitan Lima will abide by the temporary implementation of teleworking, guaranteeing the continuity of the educational service,” the statement states.
The measure will be applied between March 9 and 14. During this period, activities that can be carried out remotely will be carried out under that modality.
“The activities that can be carried out remotely will be carried out under the teleworking modality, involving administrative staff, teachers and managers,” the document states.
The DRELM also clarified that some tasks may continue in person when necessary.
“Strictly necessary activities may be maintained in person or through partial teleworking,” details the official statement.
The reduction in the supply of natural gas generated a complex scenario for the operation of the city. During a public intervention, an authority explained the impact of the resource on the energy system and urban services.
“Almost 45% of the production of electricity supply is based on the GNB,” said Minister Denisse Miralles. In addition, he recalled that fuel is also key for other sectors. “Almost all of our transportation public, many of our taxis, and many important health systems as well”.
The current situation reflects a significant reduction in supply. According to the explanation offered, the city usually receives about “eight hundred million cubic feet” of natural gas. However, the current availability is much lower.
“We are currently at ten percent of what is required with GNB“, he stated. The figure represents a considerable drop compared to the usual volume that feeds the capital.
Given this reduction, part of the energy generation and the operation of various services is transferred to alternative fuels. “All that is not being produced is going to alternative fuels, LPG, among others,” explained the same source.
