25/06/2026 15:41 - Politica
YPF (Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales) is Argentina's largest energy company, founded in 1922 and historically state-owned. Comodoro Rivadavia is a city of approximately 200,000 people in Patagonia, known as the oil capital of Argentina. The Golfo San Jorge Basin is one of Argentina's most important oil-producing regions, where oil extraction began in 1907.
The decision by YPF to transfer its properties in Comodoro Rivadavia to the provincial government of Chubut has triggered an intense political and legal battle over assets that are considered vital to the city's identity and development. The transfer includes land, historic buildings, social clubs, and strategic urban parcels.
Mayor Othar Macharashvili strongly rejected the measure and formally requested that the properties be transferred to municipal control instead. The mayor stated that this decision once again ignores the historic contribution that Comodoro Rivadavia has made for over a century to the development of YPF and the national energy industry.
The mayor emphasized that the historic Kilómetro 3 building and other oil heritage properties must preserve their public character and remain with the community that gave them origin. This neighborhood is the birthplace of Argentina's oil industry, where the first well was drilled in 1907.
Governor Ignacio Torres defended the agreement and announced he will send a bill to the Chubut Legislature to guarantee that the assets remain designated for the benefit of Comodoro Rivadavia residents. Provincial officials argue that environmental liability responsibilities have already been transferred to the companies currently operating the oil fields.
Municipal official Jordana Mrla strongly criticized Hydrocarbons Minister Federico Ponce, stating he should defend Comodoro instead of acting as YPF's spokesperson. She added that for Comodoro, the true heritage is not just buildings or land, but recovering a healthy environment for future generations.
In 1995, the municipality and YPF signed an agreement to transfer properties in exchange for forgiving tax debt. However, experts note that part of this process was never fully formalized through proper surveys and definitive registrations, leaving a gray area regarding the effective ownership of some parcels.
| CulturalClub Ingeniero Luis A. Huergo |
| SportsFederación Deportiva de Comodoro Rivadavia |
| HistoricKilómetro 3 and North Zone Historic Sites |
| SocialTiro Federal Argentino General Enrique Mosconi |
| BuildingHistoric YPF Administration Building at Km 3 |
| LandParcels in Km 3, Km 4, Rodríguez Peña and North Zone |
The municipality confirmed it will continue demanding remediation work in areas such as Área Central and Restinga Alí, both affected by decades of oil operations. Legal action through a declarative certainty proceeding is possible, asking the courts to determine the legal validity of the transfer and clarify ownership of the assets.
YPF is advancing its withdrawal from mature fields in the Golfo San Jorge Basin. CEO Horacio Marín had previously stated: The lands are ours, referring to assets under company control. This represents a broader industry trend toward Vaca Muerta shale development.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
