The construction of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline, which will change Argentina's energy matrix, will be completed this Friday.

The last welding of the more than 50,000 pipes used for this project is being carried out today.

It connects the Vaca Muerta field in Patagonia with eastern Argentina, where the most populated areas are located.

President Alberto Fernández celebrated what he described as a milestone, noting that the work will save up to US$4 billion a year in gas imports.

After the welding of the last section in the province of La Pampa, tests will begin.

The government announced that the pipeline will begin operating on 20 June, just in time for the start of winter.