New Regulations for Natural Gas Transportation

Resolution 471/2026 of the Argentine Gas Regulatory Authority (ENARGAS), published in the Official Gazette on May 5, 2026, updates the natural gas transportation regime. This update is implemented within the framework of a broader process to review the regulatory framework governing natural gas transportation and to adapt it to current conditions relating to demand, investment, and system organization.

Resolution 66/2026 issued by the Secretariat of Energy had provided, among other measures, the reshaping of the natural gas transportation system. ENARGAS later implemented  Resolution 66 through Resolution 409/2026, which introduced significant regulatory changes (see our article “Reshaping the Natural Gas Transportation System” of April 28, 2026).

ENARGAS issued this new Resolution in a context marked by the need to expand transportation capacity, the existence of constraints in certain segments of the system, and the pursuit of greater transparency and efficiency in capacity allocation. For this, ENARGAS conducted a prior public consultation process in which transporters, distributors, producers, and other relevant market participants took part. The comments those participants submitted, together with the regulator’s responses, are reflected in the recitals of the Resolution.

Resolution 471 remains aligned with the structural principles of the Gas Law 24076, especially regarding open access and non-discrimination, which continue to be the cornerstone of Argentina’s natural gas transportation regime.

The Resolution provides for:

1. the approval of the new rules for allocating firm transportation capacity,
2. the approval of a template for expressing interest,
3. the approval of a template for irrevocable offers,
4. the approval of the procedure applicable to open seasons,
5. the repeal of ENARGAS Resolution 1483/2000, which had established the guidelines for allocating firm transportation capacity and is now replaced by the provisions approved in this new resolution.

The new regulations establish a comprehensive regime for allocating firm capacity through open seasons, contemplating different modalities depending on the source of the capacity (expansions, remaining capacity, and assignments). They also provide separate stages for expansion processes, including a structured stage for expressions of interest, and regulate in greater detail the procedures for calling the process, submitting offers, evaluating them, and awarding capacity.

Main differences from the previous regime

Some of the main differences between the new regulations and the previous regime (established under ENARGAS Resolution 1483/2000) are:

1. Defined terms and reorganization of the structure: The new regulations introduce a more complete and orderly structure, including an opening chapter of definitions that did not exist under the previous regime. They also reorganize the applicable rules according to different types of open seasons and stages, providing greater detail regarding the procedure.
2. Express procedure for the “expressions of interest” stage: The new regulations introduce a more detailed framework for a preliminary stage applicable to open seasons for expansion called “expressions of interest.” At this stage, potential interested parties may express their interest in contracting future capacity without assuming a binding commitment. This information allows the transporter to assess potential demand and structure the subsequent open season process.
3. Expansion of the scope of the regulations: The new regulations provide that, where applicable, transport capacities linked to transportation authorizations granted under Law 17319 article 43 also fall within their scope, since this type of authorization did not exist when the previous regime was established.
4. New categories of open seasons: The regulations maintain open seasons for expansions and remaining capacity, but add a new category (Open Seasons for Transportation Capacity Assignments), establishing that assignments must be channeled through competitive and open mechanisms. In addition, within open seasons for expansion, the regulations add a new modality Prepayment Expansions, together with the already existing expansions feasible under the current tariff and those not feasible under the current tariff.
5. Preliminary stage in expansion open seasons: The new regulations structure expansion open seasons in two stages: an expression of interest stage and the open season itself.
6. Introduction of limits on terms of the contracts: Unlike the previous regime, the new regulations establish time limits for transportation agreements associated with expansions: a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 35 years. Along these lines, the possibility of successive one-year contractual extensions for new contracts is eliminated, as is the possibility of automatic renewals for new contracts. Once those agreements expire, the capacity must again be offered through open seasons.
7. Specific regulation of certain scenarios: The new regulations include new specific provisions:
   1. particular criteria to assess offers in cases of transportation for export purposes,
   2. more detailed regulation of award conditions depending on the type of open season,
   3. specific provisions relating to activities linked to gas storage, processing, and separation by transporters.