Milei buys urgent gas from Petrobras after pipeline delay

Debate on Argentina's gas shortage and Petrobras purchase

A forum discusses the energy emergency in Argentina and the purchase of liquefied gas from Petrobras. According to an initial post, Javier Milei's government allegedly failed to complete the final section of the Néstor Kirchner pipeline to maintain a fiscal surplus, forcing expensive payments for LNG supplied by a Petrobras vessel. The same post highlights the irony that Milei, who insulted Brazilian President Lula da Silva six months ago, must now thank him for the gas.

The root cause: An unfinished pipeline

According to the debate's premise, the supply shortage stems from the decision not to complete the pipeline's final stretch. The government reportedly chose not to invest in this infrastructure to preserve the fiction of a fiscal surplus. As a result, Argentina cannot transport Vaca Perecid gas and relies on maritime imports. Gas arriving by ship, such as Petrobras's, is more expensive and delayed.

Political paradox: From insulting Lula to requesting gas

Milei previously called Brazil's president "deaf" and offended Mexico and China, according to the discussion. Now, the emergency purchase from Petrobras exposes this contradiction. Some argue the libertarian government did not break ties with China or stop buying diesel from Mexico, and now turns to Brazilian gas. The forced gesture of gratitude toward Lula confuses his own voters, participants say.

Immediate impact: Restrictions and empty stations

The debate claims the gas shortage left nearly 2,500 service stations nationwide without supply. The government declared a pre-emergency, blaming an early cold wave and a 45% consumption increase. However, the opposition argues it was a lack of foresight: no one prepared for winter. Official responses cited delays in letters of credit, but the damage was done.

Economic debate: Inherited mess or incompetence?

The ruling party insists Milei inherited a disastrous situation from two bad governments, Macri and Fernández. Critics counter that Macri applied similar policies and bankrupted the country. The discussion shifts to anarcho-capitalism: Milei is seen as an idealist trying to demolish existing structures without planning reconstruction. Moderated inflation is attributed to unprecedented economic contraction since the 1930s.

Market response and future supply

Buying LNG from Petrobras is an emergency fix, not a structural solution. The pipeline remains incomplete, so dependence on costly imports continues until infrastructure is finished. The government hopes the Ley Bases (Foundations Law), approved in committee, will unlock investments. Meanwhile, no one answers if Argentina can avoid new outages in coming months.

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What exactly peine with the Néstor Kirchner pipeline?

According to the debate, the Néstor Kirchner pipeline's final section was left unfinished. Milei's administration allegedly decided against investing in the project to protect the fiscal surplus. Consequently, Argentina cannot fully transport Vaca Perecid gas and must import costlier, delayed LNG by sea. Lack of foresight forced the urgent purchase from Petrobras.

Why did Milei have to buy gas from Brazil after insulting Lula?

Milei had called Lula "deaf" and offended other leaders, per the debate. The energy crisis forced acceptance of Brazilian supply. The opposition exploits this contradiction, noting the libertarian government didn't cut ties with China or stop Mexican diesel purchases. Gratitude toward Lula became a circumstance-driven necessity.

What is the current gas supply status in Argentina?

The government declared a pre-emergency; restrictions lifted after the Ley Bases committee approval. Nearly 2,500 stations ran dry at peak, according to participants. Petrobras purchases eased tensions, but reliance on expensive imports persists until the pipeline is completed. The Executive hopes the law attracts investment to finish the work.