Neuquén secures continuity of Patagonia gas subsidies

The Argentine national government has ratified the continuity of the ‘Zona Fría’ (Cold Zone) regime for the Patagonia region. This decision ensures that residential natural gas tariffs will remain subsidized to offset high energy consumption caused by low winter temperatures.

The confirmation follows negotiations in Buenos Aires between Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa and national officials, including Chief of Staff Diego Santilli and Economy Minister Luis Caputo. Figueroa argued that Neuquén, as a major hydrocarbon producer, should not lose these benefits.

In addition to energy subsidies, the authorities agreed to transfer management of several national routes to the province, including sections of routes 40, 231, and 242, as well as the Villa La Angostura bypass project. These infrastructure agreements aim to improve connectivity for tourism, production, and border links in the region.