Overview
- Decree 59/2026, published in the Official Gazette, creates a differential regime for conventional oil and removes it from the 2020 framework set by Decree 488/2020.
- The scheme sets a 0% export duty when Brent is at or below USD 65, an 8% rate at or above USD 80, and a formula-based rate for prices in between.
- The Energy Secretariat will define which exported volumes qualify as conventional and assign eligible amounts by concession to confine the relief to verified barrels.
- The policy targets mature fields in provinces such as Santa Cruz, Chubut and Neuquén to counter declining output and support investment and employment.
- Mendoza officials say they expect an indirect benefit through stronger reference prices even though the province does not export its crude.