Argentina ratifies Zona Fría gas regime for Patagonia

Zona Fría regime gas subsidies Patagonia Chubut energy policy

The Argentine government has ratified the continuity of the 'Zona Fría' (Cold Zone) regime for the Patagonia region. Following meetings between Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres, Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa, and Chief of Cabinet Diego Santilli, officials confirmed that gas service conditions and benefits for residential users will remain unchanged.

Governor Torres stated the decision is vital for the region, dismissing rumors regarding the termination of gas subsidies. The agreement ensures that the legal framework establishing the regime remains in place for all of Patagonia.

In separate environmental developments in Chubut, the Secretary of Forests has launched a restoration campaign in the Lago Epuyén Provincial Reserve. In collaboration with Fundación Vida Silvestre and ReforestArg, the initiative aims to plant 100,000 native trees across several reserves. Additionally, the government is implementing forest fire prevention plans in ten municipalities, allocating 350 million pesos for tasks such as pruning, clearing vegetation, and improving access roads.

Meanwhile, authorities in Chubut are conducting continuous monitoring of Southern Right Whale strandings during the 2026 season. Preliminary assessments by scientific teams suggest that mortality rates are part of natural population dynamics and have not yet shown evidence of being caused by human activity.

Entities

CONAF · Carla Castro Alvear · Chubut · Diego Santilli · Ignacio Torres · O’Higgins Region · Patagonia · Rolando Figueroa

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The plants, which are over one meter tall, were produced in nurseries managed by the PEE, covering the process from seed collection to delivery.
[● 2 SOURCES] CONAF delivered 2,380 plants to eleven municipalities in the O’Higgins region through the Emergency Employment Program (PEE).
[● 2 SOURCES] The initiative benefited eleven communes: Quinta de Tilcoco, Codegua, Rancagua, Palmilla, Doñihue, Pichidegua, Lolol, Chepica, Santa Cruz, Peralillo, and Marchigue.
[● 2 SOURCES] The PEE provides formal employment, including social security and health protection, primarily to female heads of household facing labor market barriers.