At least a hundred outlets located in different parts of the country suspended the sale of CNG after some distributors decided to cut off the supply in the middle of the first cold wave.
The measure is attributed to the arrival of low temperatures, since the companies prioritized residential gas consumption users. The affected stations are those that have interruptible gas contracts.
They downplay the significance of the supply cuts to Bocas de GNC
This has caused the CNG supply to be cut off in several districts in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Tucumán, La Pampa, Catamarca, Santiago del Estero, Neuquén and Río Negro. But there is a concrete possibility that this situation could extend to other licensees and consequently to other urban centers in the country.
Indeed; Camuzzi informed the stations that make up his distribution network that the interruptibles “They are the first cutting step” given the need to segment demand. However, the company reminded the operators that there are other contractual alternatives, such as the service “semi firm”, which, although it makes them subject to suspensions during the winter, places them in second position.
Also proposes to resell or transfer firm transport capacity between CNG mouths, in the case of those that have remnants. This operation is carried out through the Electronic Gas Market (MEGSA).
However, the lawyer and specialist in Service Stations, Francisco Turzimaintains that legally, even if the vendors sign the contract with an interruptible clause and without conditions, “it may happen that the abusive exercise of that power occurs”.
CNG operating costs increased 230 percent in the last four months
The lawyer states, however, that It is a very difficult event and it has to be tried.. “It is up to the judge, but the interruptible clause does not allow distributors to do so in an unfounded manner.”he specifies in dialogue with this medium.
Turzi explains that the way to order is, first, that the power to interrupt contracts is agreed upon, regulated and ordered by the parties. Likewise, he suggests correctly drafting the conditions of the limitation, the notice, the prior notice in cases where it is agreed, that is, causes, the way to do it, the notifications, the deadlines and also the circumstances of the restoration of the provision. “That will put them in a better situation.”, he emphasizes.
