YPF uses fuel buffer as oil trades near $105

While international crude oil trades around $105 per barrel, the price reflected at Argentine fuel pumps remains between $80 and $85. YPF CEO Horacio Marín explained that fuel companies use a buffer mechanism to absorb global price fluctuations and prevent immediate spikes for consumers.

Marín stated that if international oil stays near $100 for a prolonged period, domestic gasoline will eventually match that benchmark under free-market dynamics, though he does not expect that scenario to solidify. The explanation follows price hikes above 3% at rival gas stations.

Marín also detailed progress on the Argentina LNG export project developed alongside Eni and ADNOC. Total planned investment reaches $51,000 million, with the first phase requiring between $29,000 million and $32,000 million. Partners will contribute around $9,000 million, while YPF seeks approximately $16,000 million in external project financing.

The project secured a letter of intent for up to $6,000 million from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and is in talks with Italy's SACE and other export credit agencies. YPF aims to close financing commitments and sign the final investment decision by late November, which would allow initial works to begin in February 2027.