Argentina gas subsidy changes face legal and legislative challenges

Authorities and legislators in Argentina are challenging changes to the ‘Zona Fría’ (Cold Zone) gas subsidy regime. In Tres Arroyos, the municipality has filed a lawsuit against the national government to defend the benefit, which reduces gas costs in cold regions. The municipality argues that the new regulations unfairly exclude non-profit institutions and clubs, and that the new calculation method may result in lower discounts for residents despite persistent low temperatures.

In southern Chubut, National Deputy Juan Pablo Luque has requested explanations regarding high gas transport costs and the application of the subsidy. Luque noted that transport costs in southern Chubut are significantly higher than in neighboring provinces like Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego, despite Chubut being a hydrocarbon producer. The legislative inquiry seeks details on the transport optimization model used by the Secretariat of Energy and the specific methodology used to calculate the ‘Zona Fría’ benefit and distributor load factors for Camuzzi Gas del Sur.