Conflict between oil company and indigenous people in Peru

Argentine oil company Pluspetrol once again finds itself in conflict with local indigenous communities in Peru, this time with the Achuar people of Pampa Hermosa. The local and international press covered the incident extensively, reporting that almost four hundred hundred indigenous people took control of oil wells in Peru’s largest oil field, 1-AB. Reuters said that daily oil production of 3,100 barrels of oil stopped on Monday. Reuters also quoted Carlos Sandi, president of local indigenous group Feconaco, as saying that the indigenous people are protesting for compensation for the oil company’s use of local infrastructure and the construction of a sawmill. Pluspetrol’s lease on the oil field expires this summer, and given the lengthy history of conflict between the oil company and the local communities, it remains to be seen whether the company will decide to renew its lease. Protestors also blocked a local river, preventing a shipment of food and supplies from reaching the Pluspetrol camp.

The story of the conflict between Pluspetrol and the Achuar indigenous group was by far and away the biggest story of the day. It is worthwhile to contrast the press coverage of this flare-up in the conflict with the one that occurred a few months ago. Previously, Pluspetrol was slow to comment, initially not releasing a press release. The local indigenous communities however were much better organized, and quickly contacted the national and international press. Because they were the only ones talking, they were able to completely control the message and dictate how events unfolded. This time around, Pluspetrol had its communications team prepared, and quickly issued a press release, communicating its version of events.