Peru Allocates Up to S/105 Million in 2026 to Subsidize Transport Sector Amid Fuel Price Hikes

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Peruvian government approved Emergency Decree No. 007-2026, allocating up to S/105 million to provide targeted subsidies for passenger and freight transport operators nationwide, as well as regular transit operators in Lima and Callao, to ensure the continuity of land public transport services, prevent supply reductions, and mitigate the abnormal pass-through of rising fuel costs to fares, freight rates, and supply chains.

The measure, promoted by the government led by President Keiko Fujimori, is funded by the contingency reserve of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, with up to S/60 million allocated to the "Transport Stability Mechanism" (META-Nacional) and up to S/45 million allocated to the "Lima and Callao Mechanism" (META-Lima y Callao), the latter paid to the Urban Transport Authority for Lima and Callao (ATU). The funds have specific purposes and may not be used for purposes other than those established in the emergency decree.

This intervention comes against the backdrop of a new wave of volatility in international energy markets, as well as rising reference prices for diesel in July and August that have pushed up operating costs for land transport. Minister of Economy and Finance Elmer Cuba stated that the government is not implementing large-scale subsidies but has opted for targeted subsidies that directly benefit the transport sector most affected by rising fuel prices. He emphasized that the measure includes identification, verification, and control mechanisms to ensure that public resources are used for transport operators that qualify for support, with subsidies reaching them directly.

META-Nacional is aimed at transport operators providing scheduled land passenger transport services at the national, regional, and provincial levels, as well as providers of land public freight transport services. The subsidy is set at S/4 per gallon of automotive diesel B5 or diesel B20 purchased, covering three consecutive periods: August 16 to September 15, September 16 to October 15, and October 16 to November 15, 2026. The subsidy is calculated based on actual fuel purchases and must be supported by electronic payment vouchers issued by suppliers duly registered in the Hydrocarbons Registry of the Supervisory Agency for Energy and Mining (Osinergmin). Transport operators applying for the subsidy must hold a valid service authorization, compliant vehicles, a valid tax identification number (RUC), good tax status (condición de habido), and other requirements established by the regulation, with the relevant information verified jointly by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, regional governments, provincial and district municipalities, the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT), and Osinergmin. The subsidy is disbursed through the Bank of the Nation (Banco de la Nación) or other financial system entities, via existing accounts, new accounts, or bank cards in the name of the beneficiary.

META-Lima y Callao targets operators of regular public transport services authorized by ATU, based on mileage actually traveled and verified through the Integrated Control and Monitoring System (SICM), with subsidies of S/0.50 per kilometer for buses, S/0.40 per kilometer for medium buses, and S/0.30 per kilometer for minibuses over a three-month period. This mechanism does not allow duplicate subsidies for the same vehicle, period, fuel purchase, mileage, or other calculation basis; operators under ATU jurisdiction do not participate in META-Nacional and, where applicable, may only receive subsidies through META-Lima y Callao.