A federal court in Neuquén ordered the immediate eviction of the blockade set up by members of the Kaxipayiñ Mapuche community on the so-called "oil road". This is a key route for accessing the Turboexpander Plant (Planta TEX) and the warehouses in the Loma La Lata – Sierra Barrosa area.
The ruling was issued by federal Judge María Carolina Pandolfi, who granted a precautionary measure requested by YPF after more than three days of total traffic interruption.
According to the decision, since November 17 the demonstrators "restricted circulation on the oil road," preventing the passage of personnel, vehicles, and equipment necessary for energy operations. This is a rural route that connects provincial routes 7 and 51 and serves as the usual logistics corridor for YPF's activities in the area.
The effects of the blockade and the findings
YPF reported that the blockade caused "complex inconveniences given the magnitude of the affected facility". The company stated that the measure impacted the evacuation and supply of gas and methanol, as well as process safety and the provision of LPG. This affected essential activities and increased operational and environmental risks.
The company also detailed that part of the personnel was unable to access their duties and that critical equipment was left on "standby."
Notaries summoned by the company certified the presence of a metal barrier that crossed the road and blocked passage. The Mapuche demonstrators urged people to leave "because it is private and community property."
