Río Negro expands gas network to benefit 6,600 families

The Río Negro provincial government is advancing its Gas Rionegrino program, executing 36 infrastructure projects across 25 localities to extend natural‑gas service. The initiative, funded with roughly AR$5 billion from hydrocarbon royalties, has already connected more than 3,000 households through the Region South trunk pipeline and aims to reach about 95‑100 % coverage in the province’s colder areas. The plan targets over 6,600 families, with completed works in towns such as Allen, Catriel, El Bolsón, General Roca and Viedma, and further extensions slated for Cipolletti, Maquinchao, Ramos Mexía and other communities. Minister of Public Works Alejandro Echarren highlighted the program’s role in improving living standards, supporting urban growth and reinvesting resource revenues into essential public services.

Overall, the project has allocated AR$4.96 billion, with more than half already spent, and continues to issue new contracts to connect additional households, including a university campus in Bariloche. The government expects the expanded network to boost quality of life and regional development throughout Río Negro.