SIPGER leader addresses YPF production and gas tariffs

Rafael Güenchenen, Secretary General of the Santa Cruz Petroleum, Gas and Renewable Energies Union (SIPGER), has addressed several critical issues regarding the energy sector in Argentina.

Regarding YPF, Güenchenen responded to former YPF president Pablo González, rejecting claims that the union is responsible for the company's withdrawal from certain provincial areas. Güenchenen attributed the decline in hydrocarbon activity to previous management, noting that a promised 400 million dollar investment did not result in increased production. He cited data showing production fell from 3.79 million cubic meters in 2015 to 2.24 million in 2023.

Additionally, Güenchenen expressed strong support for Senators José María Carambia and Natalia Gadano in their defense of the 'Zona Fría' (Cold Zone) gas tariff regime. He opposed national government proposals to modify these benefits, arguing that centralized decisions from Buenos Aires fail to account for the extreme climate and geographic realities of Patagonia. The union warns that removing current discounts could lead to severe increases in heating costs for residents in Santa Cruz.