Protesters angry over oil and natural gas developments in Peru's resource-rich Amazon vowed on Friday to defy the government and step up demonstrations that have disrupted operations at energy companies.

A private-sector source told Reuters that as many as 41 vessels serving energy companies are stuck along jungle rivers, unable to move because of the protests.

Protesters upset over oil and natural gas developments in the resource-rich Amazon are threatening to choke energy supplies in northern Peru, the country's environmental minister said on Tuesday.

Peru's government is encouraging investment in hopes of turning the country into a net oil exporter from a net importer.

Peru's government, which is encouraging energy companies to develop the resource-rich Amazon, is considering creating five new reserves to protect jungle tribes that are living in voluntary isolation.

Advocacy groups have been pressuring Peru to balance indigenous and environmental rights demands with those of foreign investors as the country tries to boost energy output.