Requests to pipe Argentine gas to Brazil climb

Argentina published eight natural gas exportation authorization requests in August, up from three in July, according to data from the federal energy department.

Two are to pipe gas to Brazil via Bolivian infrastructure, taking the tally of this type of authorization request to six after two were published in July and two in June. 

The government’s economic reform law eases state control over hydrocarbons exports but the fine-print is pending. Some measure of control over gas is possible, given its strategic importance to the country and winter supply shortages. 

Completion of the Gasoducto Norte flow-reversal project, expected this year, will permit the export of Neuquén basin gas to Brazil via Bolivia, and to northern Chile.

In June, Bolivian state hydrocarbons company YPFB said its gas network was ready to dispatch Argentine gas to Brazil, up to 3Mm3/d. Engineers are working to boost capacity to over 10Mm3/d in the medium term, YPFB said.

Argentina gas export authorization requests in August

Seller: Pan American Energy
Buyer: Pan American Energy do Brasil
Maximum quantity: 500,000m3/d (interruptible basis) from Lindero Atravesado, Bandurria Centro, Aguada San Roque, Aguada Pichana Oeste and Aguada Pichana Este in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: Date of authorization to April 2026.

Seller: Wintershall Dea
Buyer: Methanex Chile
Maximum quantity: 400,000m3/d (firm basis) from concession CMA-1 in the Austral basin (offshore).
Dates: October 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025

Seller: Pluspetrol
Buyer: Gas Bridge Comercializadora (Brazil)
Maximum quantity: 2.0Mm3/d (interruptible basis) from La Calera in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: October 1, 2024 to January 1, 2028

Seller: Vista Energy Argentina
Buyer: Cinergia Chile
Maximum quantity: 67,620m3/d (firm basis) from 25 de Mayo-Medanito; Charco del Palenque; Entre Lomas; Jagüel de los Machos; Jarilla Quemada-Río Negro and/or Bajada del Palo Oeste; Bajada del Palo Este; Coirón Amargo Norte; and Entre Lomas, in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: 67,620m3/d from January 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025, and from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and 52,594m3/d from May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025

Seller: Tecpetrol
Buyer: Shell Chile
Maximum quantity: 221,527m3/d (firm basis) from Fortín de Piedra, in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: 20,535m3/d from January 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025, and from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and 221,527m3/d from May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

Seller: Shell Argentina 
Buyer: Shell Chile
Maximum quantity: 17,862m3/d (firm basis) from Sierras Blancas, Bajada de Añelo, Bandurria Sur, “CASO”, La Escalonada, Rincón La Ceniza and Cruz de Lorena, in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: 17,862m3/d from January 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025, and from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and 13,893m3/d from May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.

Seller: Total Austral
Buyer: Methanex Chile
Maximum quantity: 600,000m3/d (firm basis) from concession CMA-1 in the Austral basin (offshore).
Dates: 600,000m3/d from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, and 439,020m3/d from January 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025.

Seller: Total Austral
Buyer: Shell Chile
Maximum quantity: 221,526m3/d (firm basis) from San Roque, Aguada Pichana Este and Rincón La Ceniza, in the Neuquén basin.
Dates: 220,534m3/d from January 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025, and from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, and 221,526m3/d from May 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025.