Argentina will lower the price of exportable gas to gain regional markets

The national government plans to modify the natural gas pricing scheme for exports starting in 2026, aiming to align the export sale value with the domestic price. The initiative will eliminate the current reference to Brent crude, which will make Argentine gas destined for countries such as Brazil and Chile more affordable.

The measure will be published in the coming days through an official resolution and will remain in effect until 2028, the year in which the current contracts under the Gas Plan expire. Starting in 2029, the Executive projects a complete liberalization of the market, both domestic and foreign, supported by increased production from Vaca Muerta and the rollout of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects.

Leaving Brent behind

The decision was announced during an event organized by CAF and Olade, where the future of gas exports in the region was discussed. There, the Undersecretary of Liquid and Gaseous Fuels, Federico Veller, stated that "the goal is to adapt the regulatory framework so that export prices reflect domestic market values."

In the past, the pricing policy set a floor of USD 3.50 per million BTU for exports, matching the local market average. However, after the start of the war in Ukraine, it was decided to link that floor to the value of Brent crude, which raised the minimum export price to about USD 6, making the Argentine product more expensive compared to international competitors.

More accessible gas for the region

According to Juan José Carbajales, director of Paspartú, in statements to Infobae, that policy proved to be uncompetitive: "For years, Chilean companies requested a review of the scheme," he said. The current review, therefore, also responds to the intention to penetrate the Brazilian market with more competitive prices, returning to a reference based on the local price.

The Gas Plan contracts will not be modified. These agreements set prices and volumes until 2028, guaranteeing domestic supply. "They are set, they can't be changed," Carbajales explained, emphasizing that the new policy will not affect the domestic market.

Exporting without shortages

The redesign seeks to make more exports compatible with guaranteed supply, thanks to Vaca Muerta's growing production capacity. For this purpose, new contractual tools are being designed to facilitate long-term agreements with regional buyers.

Looking ahead to 2029, the government projects that the country will be able to export LNG by sea, with infrastructure that will open new markets and diversify Argentina's energy revenues.