Chubut Governor Torres' YPF deal and electricity tariff hike spark local backlash

The Union of Assemblies of Communities of Chubut condemned the agreement signed by Governor Ignacio Torres and oil company YPF, describing it as illegal and a "soborno para la impunidad." The deal transfers responsibility for more than 3,000 inactive wells and associated environmental liabilities to the province, while providing YPF with a $25 million payment, used for unspecified infrastructure projects rather than site remediation. Critics say the agreement violates national and provincial environmental laws and denies affected communities any consultation.

Separately, the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Production of Comodoro Rivadavia and Rada Tilly formally rejected a proposed electricity tariff adjustment being considered by ENCOSEP. The chamber warned that a 28.2% increase for non‑residential users, plus additional rises for certain residential categories and public lighting, would severely impact local businesses, especially amid declining consumption and rising operational costs. It called for detailed technical justification and suggested phased or segmented tariff implementations to mitigate economic harm.