The Argentine government has announced plans to impose sanctions on maritime pilots who are striking at the country’s main ports. Presidential spokesman Adrián Ravier confirmed on Tuesday that the government will penalize the pilots, as their services are deemed critically important and directly impact the high domestic costs of doing business in Argentina.
“This is an important service, and these individuals are obligated to maintain it. There will certainly be sanctions; I do not have the details right now, but it will definitely happen; the decision is currently being prepared,” Ravier said, commenting on the strike. He also noted that the government’s goal is to reduce transportation costs.
Causes and consequences of the protest
The government seeks to lower the high domestic costs of doing business in Argentina, which remain significantly higher than in many other countries. “We aim for new players with more competitive prices to enter the market, benefiting both companies and consumers. We will achieve lower logistics costs and, consequently, lower prices,” the official emphasized.
This protest began following the issuance of Decree 690/2026, signed by Minister of Deregulation and Transformation Federico Sturzenegger. The measure aims to deregulate a regime that has been in place since 1991 and was amended in 2019 under Decree 188/19.
The strike has resulted in the halt of more than 140 commercial vessels at the terminals of Campana, Dock Sud, Arroyo Seco, Bahía Blanca, San Lorenzo, and Santa Cruz. Ship operations have also been suspended in Caleta Córdoba, in Comodoro Rivadavia.
The Argentine Energy Chamber (CADE) confirmed the cessation of port activities at its member companies due to a lack of specialized personnel. This situation affects the supply of crude oil to refineries and the shipment of refined fuel to distribution points.
For instance, refineries in Campana, Dock Sud, La Plata, and Bahía Blanca supply fuel to Comodoro Rivadavia to serve southern Patagonia, which is the area most at risk in the event of potential supply disruptions. At some companies, only a 24-hour supply remains for continuous operation before production cuts are necessary. The absence of ship maneuvers also obstructs the loading of crude oil intended for export in Bahía Blanca.
Since the groups of pilots lack union legal status, they are not subject to the mandatory conciliation procedures that the Ministry of Labor can initiate. This complicates the resolution of the conflict through traditional negotiation channels.
Source: La Nación
