Argentina announced a new program May 19 to boost natural gas production through a guaranteed price system, in a bid to cut liquefied natural gas imports and reduce the country's long running energy deficit.

Under the program, which began May 19 and will run through December 2018, the government will compensate producers launching new natural gas projects for the difference between what they receive in the market and $7.5 per million British thermal units.

Energy Minister Juan Jose Aranguren said last week that he expects Argentina to stop importing LNG in five or six years.