President Jose Balcazar announced Tuesday that repairs to the nation’s primary natural gas pipeline are slated for completion this Friday, signalling a potential end to the most severe energy crisis the Andean nation has faced in two decades.

The pipeline, operated by Transportadora de Gas del Peru (TGP), halted operations after suffering a major rupture in the Megantoni district of Cusco in early March, plunging the country into a severe energy crisis. 

The failure of this critical artery—which provides nearly half of Peru’s electricity and the vast majority of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—forced the government to implement sweeping emergency measures and strict gas rationing to contain the crisis.

During a press conference, Balcazar stated that TGP expects to reopen the supply lines on Saturday, with full distribution reaching normal levels by Sunday.

"The restoration of the pipeline is our primary focus to ensure the stabilization of the national grid," Balcazar said.

The breach exposed significant vulnerabilities in Peru’s energy infrastructure as the country plans to construct a massive gas pipeline costing $1.81 billion along its coast to bolster energy security.  

As the "backbone" of the country’s power system, the pipeline's shutdown triggered a spike in energy prices and disrupted daily life. 

The government previously moved all schools and universities to virtual learning to conserve energy, though Balcazar noted that in-person classes are scheduled to resume on Wednesday as the situation stabilizes.

The timing of the rupture has placed immense political pressure on the administration. Balcazar took office in February following the congressional ousting of his predecessor, and the energy shortage has served as a trial by fire just weeks before the presidential elections scheduled for April 12.

Engineers have been working in the remote Cusco region for over a week to patch the breach and restore the normal gas flow in the country. 

While the government remains optimistic about the Friday deadline, officials emphasized that the normalization of the electrical grid will be a phased process throughout the weekend.

For now, the country remains under emergency protocols until the integrity of the line is confirmed and pressure is fully restored to the system.