Overview
- By reposting a user’s accusation with the word “DATO,” President Javier Milei validated a claim that Techint chief Paolo Rocca tried to bring down his administration after the September elections.
- Minister Federico Sturzenegger defended the award to India’s Welspun, saying Techint’s offer was about 40% higher and calling a reversal unjustifiable given the project’s fixed gas price and financing needs.
- Southern Energy (SESA) formalized the US$200–203 million contract on December 23 for 36-inch pipes covering roughly 480 kilometers from Vaca Muerta to Río Negro, with shareholders including PAE, YPF, Pampa Energía, Harbour Energy and Golar LNG.
- Techint is weighing an antidumping complaint, disputes the 40% gap, and alleges Welspun relied on cheaper Chinese steel; a Tenaris spokesperson said its final bid would have run at near-zero margin to protect about 420 jobs in Valentín Alsina.
- The dispute has turned overtly political as Milei labeled Rocca “Don Chatarrín,” attacked critical media and “prebendary” businessmen, and drew international attention after the Financial Times covered the clash.