Patagonian towns rally against national gas subsidy cuts and LNG royalty reductions

The municipal council of Rada Tilly in Chubut Province unanimously approved a declaration rejecting the national government's proposal to modify the Cold Zone Law, which would curb gas subsidies for households and businesses in Patagonia. Council members emphasized that natural gas is a vital public service for the region's climate and urged national deputies to block any regressive reforms.

In Neuquén Province, trade unions protested a deal between the provincial government and YPF for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The agreement lowers the royalty rate to 7.5% for 30 years, a move unions say will deprive the province of significant revenue and threaten funding for health, education and workers' welfare. They called for greater provincial control over natural resources.