This press release was published in English using an automatic translation system
Limagas, LipiAndes, Sycar
With the aim of contributing to the solution of the energy challenges facing Ecuador, LipiAndes—a regional parent company that brings together companies such as Lipigas and Evol (Chile), Limagas GLP and Limagas Natural (Peru), and Chilco (Colombia)—announced the start of its operations in the country by entering Sycar, the only company authorized to import and market liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Ecuador, with a 70% stake.
In addition to marketing natural gas and developing LNG distribution infrastructure in Ecuador, Sycar is the largest importer of natural gas in Ecuador’s energy history, both by sea and land. It developed the country’s first virtual natural gas pipeline by consolidating a logistics corridor from Peru to Ecuador, ensuring a consistent supply of natural gas to Ecuadorian customers.
The company will be managed by Limagas Natural, the group’s Peruvian subsidiary, which will lead the consolidation and growth of this new energy player in Ecuador. “We want to be part of the solution to the energy challenges facing Ecuador today. This alliance allows us to take advantage of our proximity to Peru, a country from which LNG is already exported, and to project a safe and clean supply for the Ecuadorian industrial sector,” said Pablo Sáenz-Laguna, general manager of natural gas for Limagas Natural, EVA, and now also for Sycar in Ecuador.
For his part, Nelson Jaramillo Pita, founding partner of Sycar, stated that “LipiAndes’ entry into Sycar strengthens it through its knowledge, experience, and structure. LipiAndes brings Sycar the capabilities that allow it to advance its goal of gasifying Ecuador’s energy matrix, thus becoming a key player in the pursuit of energy security and efficiency for the country. We want to make Sycar the main player in the gasification of Ecuador’s energy matrix, and be the natural ally and benchmark for the private and public sectors in the provision of natural gas.”
Sycar currently imports LNG from Peru and distributes it to industrial customers in Ecuador, becoming a concrete solution to address the country’s energy challenges.
Thus, the arrival of LipiAndes marks a turning point for scaling up this energy offering in the short and medium term. The company is already working on expansion plans to increase LNG production and availability, thereby supplying a greater number of industrial customers who require clean, efficient, and continuous energy. This initiative seeks to reduce dependence on other, more polluting or less stable sources.
“Our goal is clear: to provide Ecuador with energy solutions that are sustainable, secure, and competitive. And we will do so with the support of regional experience and a long-term vision,” added Sáenz-Laguna.
With its entry into Ecuador, LipiAndes consolidates its presence in four countries and reaffirms its vision of connecting nations through modern energy solutions. The transaction also falls within the corporate objective of having at least 25% of the group’s EBITDA come from its international operations.
LipiAndes companies in Chile, Colombia, Peru, and now Ecuador serve more than 4 million customers and cover a population of over 100 million. It offers a variety of energy solutions, including liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas, renewable gases, electric power, and logistics.
“What we are doing between Peru and Ecuador is a major step. This step is not just an investment, but a commitment to the energy development of the country and the region,” the executive concluded.