Argentina: With CNDC participation, government modifies gas tender regulations

The government of Argentina summoned the country’s largest natural gas distributors to modify the terms for auctions for the supply to homes throughout the country, responding to the suggestions and demands of the sector´s entrepreneurs.

Gustavo Lopetegui, Secretary of Energy, announced the change in payment deadlines (which will be set to a compromise 60 days) and in the formality of bids divided into two days, which will take place this week on February 14 and 15. Sources close to the companies, including important players such as Camuzzi, Metrogas, Naturgy, EcoGas, Litoral, Gasnor, Gasnea, TGN and TGS, commented on their satisfaction with the meeting as they felt their concerns had been heard by the authorities.

The companies represent around 30% of the natural gas consumed in the country. For tenders that will be carried out through the Electronic Gas Market (MEGSA),they include Integración Energética Argentina as suppliers in the Northern Basin, as well as subsidized users in Patagonia. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the National Commission for the Defense of Competition (CNDC), who gave recommendations to avoid cartelization in the sector under these auction mechanisms.