Argentina Calls for International Tender for Offshore Hydrocarbon Exploration and Eventual Exploitation Concession in Area CAN_200
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On July 15, 2026, through Executive Order No. 590/2026 (the “Order”), the Executive Branch instructed the Energy Agency to call an International Public Tender for the award of an offshore hydrocarbon exploration permit -and eventually an exploitation concession- in the “CAN_200” offshore area, located in the North Argentine Basin. The offshore block covers an approximate area of 5,000 km² under national jurisdiction.
The Energy Agency is instructed to organize the tender process, approve the Terms and Conditions (Pliego de Bases y Condiciones), and grant the exploration permit and, eventually, the hydrocarbon exploitation concession to the winning bidder(s).
The practical implementation of the Order will depend on the issuance of complementary regulations by the Secretariat of Energy, which are expected to further define the terms of the tender process and the regulatory framework applicable to the project.
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Argentina Calls for Joint National and International Tender for the “Los Nihuiles” Hydroelectric System Concession
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On July 28, 2026, through Executive Order No. 667/2026, the Executive Branch called a Joint National and International Public Tender with the Province of Mendoza for: (i) the granting by the National State of a hydroelectric concession for electricity generation through the Los Nihuiles Hydroelectric System (Nihuiles I, II, III, and IV) under Law No. 15,336; and (ii) the sale by the Province of Mendoza of 100% of the shares of Hidroelectricidad Mendocina S.A, the entity created in 2025 to manage the assets following the expiration of previous contracts.
Los Nihuiles Hydroelectric System is one of Mendoza’s main hydroelectric assets, with an installed capacity of approximately 290 MW. It comprises four power plants (Nihuiles I, II, III, and IV), the "El Nihuil" and "Valle Grande" dikes, and the "Aisol" and "Tierras Blancas" dams.
The new concession is expected to be granted for a 30-year term. The Energy Agency and Mendoza’s Ministry of Energy and Environment will jointly establish the bidding terms, define water management and environmental guidelines, and specify mandatory investments required to extend the assets' lifespan.
The tender process will be conducted through the CONTRAT-AR platform and overseen by a joint ad hoc evaluation committee composed equally of representatives from the National State and the Province of Mendoza.
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YPF Launches Tender for Steel Pipes for the Argentina LNG Pipeline
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YPF is set to publish the bidding documents for the supply of 48-inch steel pipes for the 527-kilometer pipeline that will connect Vaca Muerta with Sierra Grande, the backbone of the Argentina LNG project.
The pipeline constitutes the main transmission corridor for the liquefaction plant that the consortium formed by YPF, Eni, and XRG intends to develop for gas exports.
The tender will open competition between domestic and international manufacturers in a highly specialized segment: 48-inch pipes require API-grade steel, large-diameter rolling, high-resistance longitudinal welding, full traceability, and certifications that only a limited number of suppliers worldwide can offer.
On August 13, 2026, the Argentina LNG consortium formally submitted its application to the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) for the integrated project, with a total estimated investment of USD 51 billion over the project's lifetime -the largest project submitted under the RIGI framework to date-.
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Argentina Calls for International Tender for the "AMBA I" High-Voltage Transmission Expansion
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Resolution No. 202/2026 of the Energy Agency dated August 12, 2026 (the “Resolution”), authorizes the call for a National and International Multi-Stage Public Tender for the granting of a public works concession for the construction, operation and maintenance of the expansion works of the “AMBA I” High-Voltage Electricity Transmission System and invites interested parties to submit bids (the “Tender”).
The project involves an estimated private investment of approximately USD 800 million and comprises roughly 270 km of new transmission lines at 500 kV, 220 kV and 132 kV, a new transformer station at Plomer (500/220/132 kV), reactive compensation systems (STATCOM), and complementary works to connect with area distributors.
The Tender Documents and their annexes may be downloaded from the CONTRAT-AR portal (https://contratar.gob.ar/). Bids must be submitted within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the publication of the Resolution in the Official Gazette - set for December 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
The Energy Agency authorizes the successful bidder in the Tender to request adherence to the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), clarifying that the application process must comply with the legal and regulatory requirements set forth under the applicable regulations and that such application must be processed before the Authority of Application of such regime.
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Argentina Calls International Tender for the Concession of the Belgrano, San Martin and Urquiza Freight Rail Lines
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On August 20, 2026, the Ministry of Economy published Resolution No. 1350/2026 (the "Resolution") in the Official Gazette, authorizing the call for Multi-Stage National and International Public Tender No. 504/2-0004-LPU26 for the concession of the tracks and adjacent real property of the General Belgrano, General San Martín and General Urquiza rail lines, with an option to acquire the rolling stock allocated to each line.
According to the announcement published by the National Government on the same date, the concessions will be granted for a 50-year term and cover 7,594 kilometers of track across 16 provinces, under an open-access regime contemplating mandatory works to be executed during the first five years, together with optional works that bidders may commit to and that will be weighted in the award process.
The concession is granted under the public works concession regime of Law No. 17,520. Inquiries on the bidding documents may be submitted until October 28, 2026; bids must be submitted by November 11, 2026 at 9:59 a.m., and the public opening will take place that same day.
The bidding documents incorporate the provisions required for successful bidders to access the incentives and the tax and regulatory stability of the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) under Articles 164 to 228 of Law No. 27,742, subject to compliance with the applicable requirements.
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Update on the National and International tender for the Buenos Aires City Subway - Line “F”
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Following our previous coverage in the WNA´s June 2026 edition, regarding the National and International Multi-Stage Public Tender for the “Engineering, Construction, and Equipment of Line F”, the Ministry of Mobility and Infrastructure, pursuant to Resolution No. 253/26, has officially extended the submission deadlines for this project.
Under the revised schedule, bids must be submitted by October 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., while inquiries regarding the bidding documents may be submitted until 11:59 p.m. on September 28, 2026.
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The New Export Regime for Argentine Hydrocarbons
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On July 22, 2026, the Energy Agency published Resolution No. 166/2026, establishing a streamlined, prior-notification export framework for crude oil, refined fuels, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to modernize and deregulate the domestic hydrocarbon market.
Under the new regime, registered energy operators may export eligible products subject to limited, time-bound objections by the Enforcement Authority on supply security or technical grounds. In the absence of timely objections, tacit approval grants exporters a Free Export Certificate (Constancia de Libre Exportación), guaranteeing legal stability throughout the shipment period.
The Resolution also creates a centralized Export Operations Register (Registro de Operaciones de Exportación) to reduce administrative burdens and simplify reporting requirements.
By enhancing regulatory certainty and transparency, these updates aim to mitigate project risks and stimulate private investment across Argentina’s oil and gas infrastructure.
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Argentina and Canada negotiate an updated bilateral investment agreement to boost mining and energy investment
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On July 22, 2026, Argentina and Canada announced that they were moving forward with negotiations to update their Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, signed in 1992 and in force for more than three decades. The agreement establishes protections for Canadian investments in Argentina, including fair and equitable treatment, the free transfer of funds, and investor–State dispute settlement mechanisms.
Canadian Ambassador to Argentina Stewart Wheeler confirmed that both governments are working to modernize the agreement, as its provisions no longer fully reflect current international investment standards. The update could incorporate environmental provisions, greater transparency requirements, and modern arbitration mechanisms.
The negotiations seek to adapt the bilateral investment framework to present market conditions, reduce regulatory risks associated with large-scale projects, and promote further capital flows into Argentina’s lithium, copper, and energy industries. However, the modernization process remains under negotiation, and its final provisions and implementation will depend on an agreement between both governments.
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Catamarca advances a Free Trade Zone in Tinogasta
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On July 22, 2026, the Province of Catamarca announced that it had initiated formal discussions with the National Government to establish a Free Trade Zone in Tinogasta. The initiative, contemplated under Law No. 24,331, would allow industrial and commercial activities to be conducted under a special customs regime.
The proposed Free Trade Zone is intended to improve the competitiveness of western Catamarca and strengthen the province´s export capacity in sectors such as mining, agribusiness, logistics and services. Tinogasta is strategically located along the bioceanic corridor connecting Argentina with Chile through the San Francisco Pass, a route used to transport supplies and equipment to lithium and copper projects. Its location could also facilitate access to Pacific ports, reducing transportation times and logistics costs for exports to Asian markets.
Under Argentina´s free trade zone regime, companies may carry out industrial and commercial operations with exceptions from import duties and certain domestic taxes. The regime also provides simplified customs procedures for the storage, processing, and re-export of goods.
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Argentina and Germany Sign MOU to Boost Investment in Mining, Critical Minerals and Energy
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On July 3, 2026, Argentina and Germany signed a Memorandum of Understanding (the “MOU”) aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in mining, critical minerals, trade, and energy. The agreement was executed at the Palacio San Martín during a meeting between Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, attended by representatives of German companies active in the energy sector. The MOU establishes a working agenda to promote investment in Argentine mining projects, strengthen strategic supply chain security, and foster bilateral trade in critical resources, with a particular focus on lithium and copper.
The agreement reflects Germany's broader policy of diversifying its critical mineral supply chains to support its energy transition, and Argentina's strategy of attracting foreign capital and technology for the development of its natural resources. Minister Wadephul underscored that both countries are committed to advancing cooperation in areas of strategic importance, including raw materials, energy, and economic security, and framed the MOU as complementary to the EU-Mercosur Agreement, which both blocs are in the process of ratifying.
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Dia Seeks Buyer or Partner for Its Operations in Argentina
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Spanish supermarket chain Dia has initiated a process to find a buyer or strategic partner for its business in Argentina, hiring Banco Santander to manage the sale mandate.
Controlled by the investment fund LetterOne, Dia operates over 1,000 proximity stores across the country -both company-owned and franchised- along with five distribution centers. The operation employs more than 7,700 people directly and indirectly, serving over four million loyalty program members.
While the transaction remains at an early stage, with no clear potential buyers or valuation benchmarks established, industry analysts expect interest from regional retail operators, consumer-focused private equity funds, and domestic players seeking to expand their presence in an increasingly fragmented retail market.
For further information, please refer to news@pagbam.com, call (54-11) 4114-3000 or get in touch with us via WhatsApp.
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