In Latin America, Repsol YPF distributes LPG in Argentina, Peru, and Ecuador. This regional positioning, together with production sources in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, gives the company a strong competitive advantage by strengthening vertical integration.

Repsol YPF is the largest producer of LPG in Argentina, with a market share of approximately 50%. Repsol YPF markets bottled and bulk LPG to the residential, commercial and industrial sectors, and has a 29% market share. Also in Argentina, the Group markets bottled and bulk LPG through Repsol Gas (an affiliate of Astra). The two companies have a 37% joint share of the Argentine market.

In Peru, Repsol YPF has marketed LPG under the brand of Solgas Repsol since December 1996, and leads the domestic market in terms of prestige and quality with a market share of 32%. Also in Peru, Repsol YPF holds a 30% stake (although it is not an operator), in Lima Gas, which has a 12% share of the national market.

Both the Argentine and Peruvian markets are totally de-regulated. The distribution of bottled LPG is conducted through distributors which (exclusively or no) retail the product at sales outlets.

In July 1998, Repsol YPF acquired 75% of Duragas in Ecuador, where the latter is a leading LPG distribution company covering approximately 50% of the market, and operating throughout the country, although mainly in the Guayaquil area of influence.

In Ecuador, bottled LPG is heavily subsidised by the State, which also sets the margins for all those involved in the distribution chain, from the packager to the distributor. Marketing is conducted through a network of exclusive distributors.