The Government confirmed two holidays for the last week of January, while also advancing the regulation of self-service fuel dispensing throughout the country. Through Decree 46/2025 published in the Official Bulletin, the prohibition against personnel outside of the service station manipulating the dispensers was removed. Guidelines were established for fueling, such as replacing the cap and the hose of the dispenser, and starting the engine once the hose is properly positioned.
The decree also authorizes the use of above-ground storage tanks and seeks to promote the development of the industry and a greater supply of services. It is believed that self-service fueling will allow service stations to extend their business hours to 24 hours a day, which will help to maintain jobs in a safe environment, especially in areas exposed to violence and insecurity.
The Energy Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy will establish safety requirements and complementary regulations for the implementation of self-service fueling and the use of on-ground tanks within 60 days. However, the measure is not expected to be implemented immediately. The Confederation of Hydrocarbon Trade Entities and related businesses of the Argentine Republic (CECHA) supported the deregulation of fuel sales and self-service, considering it a useful tool for both consumers and station operators.
Although pilot tests of self-service were conducted in service stations of YPF and Shell in Buenos Aires City and Mendoza, in provinces such as Buenos Aires, La Pampa, and Jujuy, this system will not be permitted due to local laws restricting the operation of dispensers to personnel from the service stations.
