MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Fuel firms will need permits

Argentine government will oblige fuel exporters to seek a permit before making shipments in a bid to stem shortages in the farm and transport sectors.

The resolution will give officials time to study supply and demand dynamics for gasoline, diesel fuel and lubricants, government authorities said last week.

The government created a similar registry system for beef exports before slapping a ban on most sales abroad to cool domestic meat prices in March.

Officials have since relaxed the ban, although some restrictions are still in place.

"Compliance with the registry will be unavoidable and obligatory prior to the export of any hydrocarbons' derivatives," stated the resolution, published in the government's Official Gazette.

Petrol and diesel prices have been practically frozen in Argentina for the last four years despite a sharp rise in crude oil prices during the same period, due to a tacit agreement between oil companies and the government.

Diesel, which is vital to Argentina's vast farm sector, is imported at a higher price than it can be sold domestically