The recent lack of gas at CNG stations has highlighted a historical problem in Argentina: energy shortage. The Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline, inaugurated with the promise of solving this problem, is not meeting expectations. CAMMESA has been forced to urgently acquire liquid fuel, which has raised questions about the current situation.
The Chamber of CNG Dispensers He explained that the problem lies in the transportation of gas. Old gas pipelines do not have enough capacity to supply Buenos Aires, a situation aggravated by the early increase in heating demand due to low temperatures.
According to ENARSA data, the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline currently transports 11 million cubic meters of gas per day. However, it had been projected to have three times the capacity, which would be enough to meet demand.
The question is why the pipeline is operating at a quarter of its capacity. Nicolás Posse, Chief of Staff of the Nationexplained in a report before the Senate that the supply of gas from Bolivia to the NOA is assured until July through a contract with Yacimientos Petrolófilos Fiscales Bolivianos.
In addition, consultations were held on the second section of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline, which will connect Salliqueló with Santa Fe, and on the compressor plants necessary to increase capacity. Posse reported that one plant will open on June 29 and the other on August 11.
The plants were originally due to be operational in September last year, but elections and a change in government caused delays. Now, given the insufficient infrastructure and the unexpected increase in demand, the Libertarian government will have to spend approximately 500 million dollars on the purchase of twelve shipments of diesel and fuel oil.
