Argentina officially welcomes self-service fueling

The nationwide regulation allows retailers to offer this option for customers after applying for authorization from the Energy Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy.

Argentina’s government has officially authorized self-service fueling at service stations across the country through the publication of Decree 46/2025. 

This nationwide regulation enables fuel retailers to offer customers the possibility of refueling their vehicles by themselves without the help of personnel. Currently, it is being piloted at select locations as an optional service and is set to be rolled out at more sites according to demand.

Fueling companies that want to offer self-service must apply for authorization from the Energy Secretariat of the Ministry of Economy.

This move marks a significant shift for local fueling operations, with self-service fueling expected to bring increased convenience to consumers while reducing costs for retailers. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernize the fuel retail sector in Argentina.

However, this service is forbidden in some provinces due to local regulations. For example, provincial law No. 13,623 of Buenos Aires, enacted in 2006, prohibits "the operation of pumps at service stations dispensing liquid fuels and/or compressed natural gas that are operated by the consumer or by personnel not part of the station's staff." The same restrictions apply in La Pampa and Jujuy.