Argentina is a pioneer in the use of compressed natural gas as a vehicle fuel. The development of CNG in the country began in the 1980s, driven by the need to reduce dependence on liquid fuels and take advantage of the vast reserves of natural gas.

Since then, the network of CNG stations has grown exponentially. Currently, Argentina has one of the most extensive CNG infrastructures in the world, with thousands of stations distributed throughout the country.

The distribution of CNG stations in Argentina is broad and strategic, covering the main cities and routes of the country. Buenos Aires, the capital, and its metropolitan area, concentrate a large number of stations, facilitating access to this alternative fuel for a large part of the population.

In addition to Buenos Aires, other provinces such as Córdoba, Santa Fe and Mendoza also have a significant number of CNG stations. This distribution allows users of CNG vehicles to move around the country without worrying about the availability of fuel.

From 2010 to 2024, the number of CNG stations has grown by more than 700 stations, reflecting Argentina's commitment to the development of this alternative fuel.

• Buenos Aires: The city of Buenos Aires and its metropolitan area have more than 500 CNG stations, making it the region with the highest density of stations in the country. Since 2020, more than 50 new stations have opened in response to growing demand.
• Córdoba: The province of Córdoba has approximately 200 CNG stations. Since 2020, around 20 new stations have been added, strengthening its infrastructure and improving accessibility for users.
• Santa Fe: Santa Fe has about 150 CNG stations. In recent years, the province has seen an increase with the opening of 15 new stations since 2020, consolidating its position as one of the main regions for CNG.
• Mendoza: With around 100 stations, Mendoza is another key province in the CNG network. Since 2020, 10 new stations have been opened, supporting the expansion and modernization of the network in this region.
• Salta: Salta has about 50 CNG stations. The province has experienced moderate growth with the opening of 5 new stations since 2020, improving coverage in northwest Argentina.

Below are the 10 operators with the largest number of CNG stations open in Argentina, as well as their expansion projects for 2025:

1. YPF: With more than 600 CNG stations throughout the country, YPF is the main operator. It plans to open 50 new stations by 2025.
2. Shell: It has 300 CNG stations. It plans to increase its network with 30 new stations by 2025.
3. Axion Energy: Owns 250 stations and plans to open 20 new stations by 2025.
4. Puma Energy: With 200 stations, Puma Energy expects to add 25 new stations by 2025.
5. Petrobras: Operates 150 CNG stations and plans to open 15 new stations by 2025.
6. Oil Fuels: With 120 stations currently, it plans to expand with 10 new stations by 2025.
7. Gulf Oil: It has 100 stations and plans to open 10 more by 2025.
8. Refinor: Operates 90 stations and expects to add 5 new stations by 2025.
9. Esso: With 80 stations, it plans to open 10 new stations by 2025.
10. AGEA: It has 70 stations and plans to increase it with 5 new stations by 2025.

The use of CNG as a vehicle fuel presents numerous benefits. Among the most outstanding are:

• Economy: CNG is considerably more economical than traditional liquid fuels such as gasoline or diesel. This allows significant savings in vehicle operating costs.
• Environment: CNG produces fewer polluting emissions than liquid fuels, contributing to the reduction of atmospheric pollution and the carbon footprint.
• Safety: CNG vehicles are safe, since natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly in the event of a leak, minimizing the risk of fire or explosion.

Despite its numerous benefits, CNG also faces some challenges in Argentina. The initial investment to convert vehicles to CNG can be significant, although it is offset by long-term fuel savings.

In addition, the infrastructure, although extensive, still has room for improvement in terms of maintenance and technological updating. The future of CNG in Argentina seems promising, with expansion plans and continuous improvements in the station network.

The network of compressed natural gas stations in Argentina is a notable example of how a country can take advantage of its natural resources to develop a sustainable and economical fuel alternative. With an extensive and constantly growing distribution, CNG is presented as a viable option for vehicular transportation, offering multiple benefits for both users and the environment.