LIMA, Peru--Peru's government is interested in buying some 200
gas stations owned by Spain's Repsol SA (REP.MC, REPYY) as the
company looks to sell some of its assets in the Andean country, a
top government official said.
The government wants to use the stations to expand the supply of
natural gas for vehicles outside of Peru's capital Lima through
state-owned Petroleos del Peru SA (PETROBC1.VL), or Petroperu,
Mines and Energy Minister Jorge Merino said late Tuesday.
"We are waiting for an announcement from Repsol, about its
decision [to sell] its downstream assets," Mr. Merino said. "The
state is interested in the gas stations."
Reports have said that Repsol has been in talks to sell its
liquefied natural gas assets in order to improve its finances. The
assets are located in Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and
Spain.
In Peru, Repsol also owns refinery Refineria La Pampilla SAA
(RELAPAC1.VL). The company is also part of a consortium that
operates the Camisea natural gas fields in southern Peru.
Write to Ryan Dube at ryan.dube@dowjones.com