Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale project highlighted at ARPEL 2026 as key to regional energy security

At the ARPEL 2026 conference in Buenos Aires, CEOs from leading oil, gas and renewable firms in Latin America discussed the need for clear legal and regulatory frameworks to unlock the region’s energy potential. The panel emphasized that competitiveness, stability and predictable fiscal policies are essential for attracting investment and turning resources like Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale basin into a reliable global supplier.

Representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru noted that Vaca Muerta can serve as a model for shale development across the region, provided that infrastructure, such as the Perito Moreno gas pipeline, is expanded. The pipeline, led by Transportadora Gas del Sur, is expected to add 14 billion cubic meters of gas to the national system and save roughly US$700 million a year by reducing imports of LNG and liquid fuels.

Industry analysts, including Daniel Yergin, warned that without stable regulatory regimes and guaranteed profit repatriation, investors may remain hesitant. The conference called for coordinated public‑private action, regional integration and diversification of energy sources to enhance long‑term energy security for Latin America.