Vaca Muerta Archives - Energy Analytics Institute (EAI)

Concern in Bolivia among analysts amid an over dependency on natural gas

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 13.Jul.2026, Words: 142) — While thermal power plants generate 70% of Bolivia’s electricity, followed by hydroelectric plants and then renewables, this situation has generated concern among specialists in the sector, according to El Diario. This, as they point out the risks of […]

Bolivian natural gas production and exports in free-fall

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 8.Jul.2026, Words: 198) — Bolivia’s natural gas exports have fallen in recent years from sales exceeding around $6bn to sales in 2025 that barely surpassed $1.1bn. This, amid production that is in a free-fall, according to El Diario, which is due to […]

Pampa Energía taps Halliburton to support digital transformation in Vaca Muerta

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.Jun.2026, Words: 278) — Halliburton entered into a multi-year agreement with Pampa Energía to support the digital transformation of its unconventional operations in the prolific Vaca Muerta shale play. As Argentina’s most impressive regional development accelerates, the agreement supports Pampa Energía’s strategy […]

YPF and Neuquén province ink deal around LNG, YPF eyes infrastructure Capex of $175mn

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 6.Jun.2026, Words: 654) — The province of Neuquén and Argentina’s state-owned YPF SA signed a strategic agreement aimed at improving the competitiveness of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, in a long-term commitment to positioning Argentina as a global energy exporter based […]

YPF repurchases Class XX notes in an amount of $6.3mn

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 18.May.2026, Words: 133) — YPF SA repurchased Class XXX notes (YMCWO) for a total amount of Ps. 8,753,188,541,11, equivalent to a par value of $6,284,686, which will be held in portfolio. The transaction took place between 12-15 May 2026.

YPF earmarks $25bn to accelerate Vaca Muerta exports with new RIGI application

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 15.May.2026, Words: 271) — State-owned YPF SA applied to join Argentina’s large investment incentive regime, also known as RIGI, for the LLL Oil project. This will entail an estimated investment of $25bn over the next 15 years.

Halliburton awarded multibillion-dollar deal by YPF SA for unconventional completions

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (By Chad Archey, Energy Analytics Institute, 13.Apr.2026, Words: 211) — Halliburton Company was awarded a multibillion-dollar contract by state-owned YPF SA to provide bundled unconventional completions services in the Vaca Muerta, one of the world’s most prolific shale resources outside North America. The award, which resulted from a competitive process, establishes […]

PRESS DIGEST 26 MAR. 2026: Marlim Sul field discovery; ARG oil up; MEX oil spill cleanup

MONTERREY, MEXICO (By editors with Energy Analytics Institute, 26.Mar.2026, Words: 300) — The following briefs are the top stories from the top media outlets on 26 Mar. 2026 across the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region and beyond, as compiled by editors from Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). EAI has not verified […]

EAI brief: Argentina reports 16.5% increase in oil production in Jan. 2026

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 26.Feb.2026, Words: 94) — Argentina has once again broken its monthly oil production record. In Jan. 2026, the Southern Cone country produced 882,200 barrels per day (b/d), up 16.5% compared to Jan. 2025.

EAI brief: Chevron Corp. eyes growth in Argentina, Guyana and Venezuela

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (By Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 25.Feb.2026, Words: 149) — Chevron Corporation eyes future production growth in Argentina, Guyana and Venezuela, according to new details revealed to investors in a Feb. 2026 presentation. RELATED: BP’S EVP BIRRELL SAYS TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO DISCOVERIES MOVE UP IN QUEUE Argentina

YPF, Eni, and XRG sign joint development agreement to advance Argentina LNG project

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Feb.2026, Words: 402) — YPF, Eni, and XRG, founding partners of the Argentina LNG, announced the signing of a binding joint development agreement (JDA) to advance the project. The project is designed to integrate the stages of LNG production, processing, transportation, […]

EAI brief: YPF, Eni, and XRG ink development deal related to Argentina LNG

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Feb.2026, Words: 111) — State-owned YPF, along with Italy’s Eni and XRG signed a joint development agreement to advance the Argentina LNG project, which will source Vaca Muerta feed gas. The agreement marks a milestone on the path to the final […]

EAI brief: Argentina reports historic energy balance in 2025

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 21.Jan.2026, Word: 124) — Argentina’s Energy Secretariat boasts 2025 was a record year in regards the Southern Cone country’s energy trade balance and energy exports. EAI ANALYSIS: VENEZUELA’S SLEEPING GIANT … NATURAL GAS FOR EXPORT VIA PIPELINE OR IN THE FORM […]

EAI brief: YPF reveals 3Q:25 results [pdf download]

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Nov.2025, Words: 263) — YPF SA revealed its third-quarter 2025 (3Q:25) financial and operational results. The Buenos Aires-based company highlight progress in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) space related to Argentina LNG (ARG LNG) as well as conventional and unconventional (Vaca […]

GeoPark BODs rejects unsolicited acquisition proposal from Parex Resources

BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA (By GeoPark, 29.Oct.2025, Words: 595) — GeoPark Limited confirmed its board of directors has reviewed and unanimously rejected an unsolicited, non-binding proposal from Parex Resources Inc. to acquire GeoPark in an all-cash transaction for $9 per share, received on 4 Sep. 2025, prior to the announcement of GeoPark’s transformative […]

Chevron supports Trump’s efforts to assist Argentina, eyes further investments

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Sep.2025, Words: 172) — US-based Chevron Corporation applauds the administration of US president Donald Trump and its efforts to forge closer relations with Argentina’s president Javier Milei. This, according to Chevron CEO Michael K. Wirth.

YPF inks MOU with Tierra del Fuego province and Terra Ignis for 7 conventional areas

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 19.Aug.2025, Words: 239) — Argentina’s YPF SA and the government of the Tierra del Fuego have taken a first step related to the transfer of conventional oil and gas areas from the state-owned company. This, as Tierra del Fuego govenor […]

YPF reports adjusted EBITDA of $1.1bn in 2Q:25 [pdf downloads]

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (By YPF, 8.Aug.2025, Words: 88) — YPF reported adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,124mn (-10% q/q), primarily explained by Brent contraction, which affected prices of local fuels and other refined products, besides value of inventories (but also lower unit costs of oil purchases to third parties), and to a […]

EAI brief: Harbour focused on 3 projects in Argentina from offshore and LNG to Vaca Muerta

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (By Fidencio Casillas, Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Aug.2025, Words: 384) — Harbour Energy remains focused on 3 projects in Argentina which span the prolific offshore Cuenca Martina Austral (CMA-1) concession and the Southern Energy SA liquefied natural gas (LNG) export project to the Aguada Pichana Este and San […]

YPF buys Total’s participation in La Escalonada and Rincón de la Ceniza for $500mn

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 6.Aug.2025, Words: 272) — Argentina’s state-owned YPF SA agreed to purchase 100% of the shares owned by Total Austral in the unconventional blocks La Escalonada and Rincón La Ceniza located in the Vaca Muerta formation in the Neuquén basin. This […]

EAI brief: Argentina’s hydrocarbon output reaches levels not seen in 20+ years

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (By Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 23.Jul.2025, Words: 103) — Argentina’s Energy Secretariat said hydrocarbon production in the South American country in Jun. 20025 reached levels not seen in more than 20 years. RELATED: Moody’s says rising extraction costs squeeze Argentine producers [pdf download]

EAI brief: Moody’s says rising extraction costs squeeze Argentine producers [pdf download]

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (Ana Sanches, Energy Analytics Institute, 16.Jul.2025, Words: 366) — The increase in lifting costs recorded in 2024 in Argentina reduces the profitability margins of conventional hydrocarbon producers in the Southern Cone country, according to Moody’s. This, as Argentina’s new investment incentive regime for large investments (RIGI by its […]

EAI short take-away: Argentina infrastructure investment show investors faith in Milei and RIGI

HOUSTON, TEXAS (By Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 10.Jul.2025, Words: 368) — Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) views as positive the recent announcement of a $2bn financing deal in Argentina. Said deal was announced by VMOS SA, which signed a loan agreement to finance construction of the Vaca Muerta South […]

VMOS secures historic $2bn financing to develop Vaca Muerta South Pipeline

SALVADOR, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 8.Jul.2025, Words: 324) — VMOS S.A. signed a syndicated $2bn loan agreement to finance construction of the Vaca Muerta South Pipeline project — the most important private infrastructure project in decades. VMOS is a strategic initiative that will unlock Argentina’s full potential […]

Vista publishes 2024 sustainability report [pdf download]

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (By Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 8.Jul.2025, Words: 88) — Mexico City-based Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. announced publication of its 2024 sustainability report. Vista has operations primarily focused in Argentina, even though it is listed on the Mexican stock exchange and has a physical presence in […]

Argentina’s president Javier Milei says Argentina to appeal Preska ruling against YPF

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (By Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 30.Jun.2025, Words: 200) — Argentina’s president Javier Milei said a ruling against the Argentine state in the case of the expropriation of Buenos Aires-based YPF SA was in effect a ruling against Alexi Kicillof that would be appealed. State-owned YPF is […]

Argentina reports average Neuquén oil production of 468,683 b/d in May 2025

HOUSTON, TEXAS (By Isaac Silvestre, Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Jun.2025, Words: 195) — Argentina’s crude oil production from Neuquén averaged 468,683 barrels per day (b/d) in May 2025, which represents a new record in the province’s production history. This production is up 1.43% compared to Apr. 2025 and up 18.95% compared […]

Bolivia exports natural gas to Argentina through Trafigura and Gas Meridional

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Ofelia Paredes, Energy Analytics Institute, 18.Jun.2025, Words: 145) — This week, 2 private Argentine companies, Trafigura and Gas Meridional, reportedly started importing Bolivian natural gas to supply power generators in the northern regions of Argentina. According to the Argentine press, this is the first time in 2 decades […]

YPF and Eni take a new step in the development of the Argentina LNG project

SALVADOR DE BAHIA, BRAZIL (By Pedro Silva, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.Jun.2025, Words: 256) — YPF and Eni signed a new agreement toward the completion of 1 of the phases of the Argentina LNG project. The agreement was signed in Rome by YPF president and CEO Horacio Marín and Eni CEO […]

YPF rides shale boom, sets sights on export infrastructure

RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA (Camilo Ciruzzi, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.May.2025, Words: 450) — With Vaca Muerta firing on all cylinders and major infrastructure moving forward, YPF SA is doubling down on its playbook: grow shale, lock in exports, and go global. This, as Argentina’s state-owned kicked off 2025 with strong momentum […]

RIGI and its importance for Vaca Muerta’s continued development

HOUSTON, TEXAS (By Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 1.May.2025, Words: 406) — Argentina’s new investment incentive regime for large investments, known as RIGI by its Spanish acronym, will play a key role in the development of the country’s infrastructure necessary for the Vaca Muerta shale play to reach its […]

Former Ecopetrol CEO Felipe Bayón picked to head GeoPark Limited

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (By Piero Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Apr.2025, Words: 433) — GeoPark Limited appointed Felipe Bayón Pardo as its new CEO and a member of the board of directors, effective 1 Jun. 2025. This appointment follows the decision of Andrés Ocampo to step down for personal reasons.

Vista says research on seismic activity in Vaca Muerta inconclusive

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 22.Apr.2025, Words: 256) — Mexico City-based Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. (formerly Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V.), said extensive research into the potential sources of increased seismic activity in the Vaca Muerta formation in the Neuquina basin in Argentina — […]

Dissecting Y-P-F: $45/bbl resilience, portfolio management and upstream snapshot

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 22.Apr.2025, Words: 3,550) — Argentina’s state-owned YPF SA aims to add value in the Argentine upstream space through optimization of capital deployed to achieve certain levels of operational excellence. The company believes such actions could open new development opportunities to boost incorporation […]

Eni and YPF ink MOU for joint evaluation of Argentina LNG 3

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA (By Steve Stewart, Energy Analytics Institute, 14.Apr.2025, Words: 353) — Eni SpA CEO Claudio Descalzi and YPF SA president and CEO Horacio Daniel Marín signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to evaluate Eni’s participation in Argentina LNG 3, promoted by YPF. The MOU is in line with […]

Argentina shapshot: Vista Energy’s deep, ready-to-drill, short-cycle well inventory

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 12.Apr.2025) — Vista Energy‘s growth plan is centered around developing the company’s inventory of 1,150 wells in the Vaca Muerta shale formation. Of this inventory, the Bajada del Palo Oeste is home to 550, Bajada del Palo Este (150), Aguada Federal (150), Bandurria […]

Argentina’s YPF eyes Capex of $35.7bn between 2025-2030

ATLANTA, GEORGIA (Chad Archey, Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Apr.2025) — Argentina’s state-owned YPF SA plans total capital expenditure (Capex) outlays of $35.7bn between 2025-2030 as part of the company’s vision to become a Vaca Muerta pure play. The bulk of the expenditures, which also include allocations on midstream and G&E and […]

YPFB president denies Vaca Muerta gas competes with Bolivian gas

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 2.Apr.2025) — Argentina’s prolific Vaca Muerta shale play doesn’t represent direct competition for Bolivian natural gas in the regional South American market. This, according to Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) president Armin Dorgathen. “It is not a competitor because Bolivia has its […]

CERAWeek: Aleph’s Daniel Dreizzen on Argentina’s Draw, Vaca Muerta and Argentina LNG

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 13.Mar.2025) — Aleph Energy managing director Daniel Dreizzen sat down with Energy Analytics Institute (EAI) for a brief chat during a breakfast hosted by IAPG Houston on the sides lines of CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Texas. What follows are excerpts […]

FACT SHEET: Argentina LNG export capacity envisioned at 26-30 MTPA

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 13.Mar.2025) — Argentina, home to the prolific Vaca Muerta shale play, is looking to tap into that feedgas to anchor Argentina LNG (ARG LNG), which is split into ARG LNG 1, ARG LNG 2 and ARG LNG 3, YPF CEO Horacio Marín […]

Argentina’s fracking boom in Vaca Muerta: record-breaking activity continues

RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA (Camilo Ciruzzi, Energy Analytics Institute, 11.Mar.2025) — The American shale revolution, this time in Argentina, is picking up and kicking into high gear, with record-breaking fracking stages in Vaca Muerta over the past months. Industry data shows over 2,000 monthly frac stages, a milestone that solidifies Argentina’s […]

COMMENTARY: Argentina sets course to become a key hydrocarbon exporter

RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA (Camilo Ciruzzi, Energy Analytics Institute, 9.Mar.2025) — Argentina’s energy sector is poised to become a major driver of economic growth in the coming years. The South American country is expected to see a strong rise in crude oil and natural gas exports while progressively reducing its reliance […]

Argentina’s YPF at a glance: Vaca Muerta anchors record production and exports in 2024

RIO NEGRO, ARGENTINA (Camilo Ciruzzi, Energy Analytics Institute, 7.Mar.2025) — In 2024, Argentina’s state-owned oil and gas company YPF strengthened its leadership in the Vaca Muerta shale play, achieving significant growth in production, exports, and unconventional oil reserves. The Buenos Aires-based company closed 2024 with impressive results.

Argentina’s Hydrocarbon Production Reaches Highest Level in 15 Years

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 24.Jan.2025) — Argentina’s hydrocarbon production in 2024 reached levels last achieved in 15 years. Oil production reached 256,268,454 barrels (bbls), its highest level since 2003, while gas production reached 50,726,747 cubic meters (m3), its highest level since 2006, Argentina’s Energy Secretariat announced 24 Jan. […]

YPF Inks MOU for the Export of up to 10 MTPA with 3 Indian Companies

BELIZE CITY, BELIZE (Aaron Simonsky, Energy Analytics Institute, 21.Jan.2025) — Argentina’s state-owned YPF SA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 3 Indian companies for the export of up to 10 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of Argentine liquefied natural gas (LNG). The MOU was signed with Oil and Natural […]

Argentina Reports Energy Surplus of $5.668bn in 2024

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 21.Jan.2025) — Argentina reported a commercial energy balance surplus of $5.668bn in 2024, the highest such surplus in 18 years, according to the country’s Energy Secretariat. In 2024, Argentina’s energy exports were $9.677bn, while its energy imports were $4.009bn, the Energy Secretariat […]

Some Parts of Milei’s Capital Buenos Aires Without Energy Amid Summer Heat

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Pietro D. Pitts, Energy Analytics Institute, 17.Jan.2025) — Argentina’s President Javier Milei is going through a brutal heat wave, which has left many citizens, especially in the country’s capital Buenos Aires, without energy. The heat wave, early in Argentina’s summer, could force the country to eye emergency energy […]

LatAm NRG Heard: US Sanctions PDVSA Head, Milei’s Popularity, BP Shuts Azerbaijan Platform

(Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 10.Jan.2025) — LatAm and other NRG highlights, headlines and “heard on the street,” for the week ended 10 Jan. 2025. —Argentina: Vaca Muerta oil and gas production continues to rise spurring hopes of continued oil and gas exports and soon year round LNG exports

EAI Southern Cone NRG Dashboard 4Q:24 [PDF Download]

HOUSTON, TEXAS (Editors at Energy Analytics Institute, 28.Dec.2024) — Energy Analytics Institute‘s Southern Cone NRG Dashboard 4Q:24 with upstream, downstream, midstream, liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable, new energies and other updates from Argentina (planned LNG projects, plans in the prolific Vaca Muerta shale play), Bolivia, Brazil (pre-salt and floating production, […]

Argentina Reports Energy Trade Balance Surplus between Jan.-Nov. 2024

(Energy Analytics Institute, 20.Dec.2024) — Argentina’s national government said the South American country registered an energy trade balance surplus of over $514mn in Nov. 2024, and a surplus of $4,806mn in the first 11 months of 2024 owing to a growth in exports and a sharp drop in imports. In […]