Argentina Mediates BP, Chubut Oil Law Dispute, La Nacion Says

Argentina’s Planning Minister Julio de Vido is pressuring Chubut authorities to amend a new oil law to accommodate BP Plc (BP/)’s local unit, La Nacion said, citing an unidentified provincial official.

De Vido met with billionaire Carlos Bulgheroni, who operates the BP unit, Pan American Energy LLC, and Chubut Governor Martin Buzzi, and asked the latter to be open-minded in negotiations with the producer to resolve differences over the law approved in December, the Buenos Aires-based newspaper said.

Pan American Energy, or PAE, is operated by 40 percent owner Bridas Corp., a venture between the Bulgheroni family and China’s state-owned producer Cnooc Ltd. (883), La Nacion said, citing the undisclosed Chubut official.

The Argentine government wants to remain in good standing with Bridas as it’s proceeding with a planned partnership deal to jointly develop Vaca Muerta shale formation with state-owned producer YPF SA (YPFD), La Nacion said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Pablo Gonzalez in Buenos Aires at pgonzalez49@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Attwood at jattwood3@bloomberg.net