ENREGE opens public consultation to update gas storage regulations

The National Gas and Electricity Regulatory Entity (ENREGE) has opened for public consultation the update of the “Natural Gas Storage Regulations” (2026), through Resolution 767/2026 (RESFC-2026-767-APN-DIRECTORIO#ENREGE), published in the Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic on October 15, 2026. The regulation sets a deadline of THIRTY (30) administrative business days from its publication for any interested party to submit observations, suggestions, or comments. The project updates the regulation approved by Resolution No. RESOL-2025-41-APN-DIRECTORIO#ENARGAS (B.O. 1-29-25) and forms an integral part of the resolution as Annex IF-2026-89130932-APN-UIYN#ENREGE.

A single regime for onshore and offshore storage

The text proposes to consolidate under a single regulatory framework the registration regime and the technical safety control applicable to all modalities of natural gas storage, regardless of the location of the facilities. Until now, the general regime of the current regulation and a special regime for offshore facilities, established by Resolution SE No. 338/12—issued in the context of the incorporation of LNG import terminals via regasification vessels—coexisted.

The update modifies Title I “Scope” to expressly incorporate “fixed or mobile offshore storage” and adds new definitions, including:

• Floating facilities intended for gas storage
• Classification Societies
• Bunkering
• Floating Industrial Unit (UIF)
• Floating Storage and/or Regasification Unit (UFAR)
• Floating Industrial Unit not intended for navigation (UIFNDN)

On-board storage facilities associated with vessel propulsion and “bunkering” operations are excluded from the scope of the regulation. LNG carriers that enter jurisdictional waters temporarily for loading, unloading, or transfer of LNG shall also not be required to register in the Natural Gas Storers Registry of the Argentine Republic (RAGNar).

International certifications and risk analysis

The project incorporates section B.3 of Sub-annex B, specific to floating or port storage facilities, which covers port, submarine, and floating terminals and the processes of LNG storage, liquefaction, regasification, and transfer. The Storer must submit, under sworn statement, the current certifications proving that the design, construction, operation, and maintenance comply with standards recognized by:

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO)
• Classification Societies that are members of the International Association of Classification Societies Ltd. (IACS)
• The Argentine Naval Prefecture (PNA), as the National Maritime Authority

A Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA) is also required, which considers the Terminal as an integrated system, including its onshore, port, submarine, and floating facilities, its interfaces, loading, unloading, or transfer operations, and internal and external hazards. Responsibility for the integration and safe operation of the Terminal remains with the Storage Provider and the Technical Storage Manager (RTA).

How to participate in the consultation

Observations must be submitted through the agency’s Virtual Entry Desk, available on its website (www.enargas.gob.ar), and will not be binding for the regulatory authority. File EX-2018-42259620-APN-GAYA#ENARGAS is available for consultation at the Entity’s offices, at Suipacha 636 and Av. Madero 1020, 8th floor, both in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and at its Delegations. The resolution will also be published in the “Participatory Rulemaking” section of the agency’s website for the same period. The regulation bears the signatures of Griselda Lambertini, Hector Sergio Falzone, Marcelo Alejandro Nachon, and Vicente Serra.

The Secretariat of Energy stated that it shares the agency’s criteria and anticipated that it will promote the repeal of Resolution SE No. 338/12 to avoid regulatory overlaps. ENREGE acts as the Enforcement Authority of Law No. 24,076 - T.O. 2025 and was established by Decree No. 452/25 (B.O. 7-7-25), within the framework of article 161 of Law No. 27,742.

The change directly impacts storage operators and LNG export projects, which until now had to process their authorization under two parallel regimes. The unification seeks to reduce the duplication of technical evaluations and provide predictability for investments in floating terminals, while concentrating the safety oversight of all facilities within ENREGE.

Source: Official Gazette of the Argentine Republic, October 15, 2026, First Section (official reference: RESFC-2026-767-APN-DIRECTORIO#ENREGE).