Argentina approves San Matías gas pipeline to launch LNG exports by 2027

The national government approved the San Matías gas‑pipeline project for inclusion in the Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI), authorising a US$ 1.3 billion investment that will link Neuquén with the Gulf of San Matías in Río Negro. The pipeline will feed a liquefied‑natural‑gas (LNG) export complex slated to start operations in 2027, potentially generating US$ 2.5 billion in annual export revenue and creating about 1,900 jobs during construction.

Governor Alberto Weretilneck inspected the works in Fuerte Argentino, noting that construction is more than 60 % complete and has already created over 400 local jobs. Energy Minister Gustavo Medele called the project a “milestone” for Neuquén’s gas industry, emphasizing that LNG exports will smooth seasonal demand swings and provide a stable, long‑term market for Argentine gas.

While the San Matías initiative benefits from the RIGI framework, global super‑petroleras such as Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil and others have so far avoided major participation in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta basin, underscoring the country's ongoing challenge to attract foreign capital despite the new incentives.