started · updated
Vaca Muerta drives Argentina to record 916,200 barrels of daily oil production
Argentina's oil production reached a historic record of 916,200 barrels per day in July 2026, representing a 17.2% increase compared to the same month in 2025. This growth was primarily driven by the Vaca Muerta shale formation in Neuquén province, which produced 643,100 barrels per day, accounting for over 70% of the nation's total crude output.
The surge in production has fundamentally altered Argentina's trade profile. Crude oil has become the country's leading export product, with sales totaling US$5,722 million between January and July 2026, a 59.2% increase from the previous year. This volume represents approximately 9.8% of the country's total exports.
In the energy sector, July saw a significant trade surplus. Energy exports reached US$1,506 million, a 97.8% year-on-year increase, while energy imports fell by 7.3% to US$614 million. Natural gas production remained stable at 158.8 million cubic meters per day, with Vaca Muerta contributing 96.5 million cubic meters.
Looking forward, YPF President Horacio Marín stated that the country is transitioning into a major oil player. He projected that by 2031, two out of every three barrels produced in Argentina could be destined for international markets, potentially driving annual energy exports toward US$58,000 million.
Entities
Argentina · Horacio Marín · INDEC · Mar del Plata · Medanito · Neuquén · Otamerica · Puerto Rosales · Secretaría de Energía · Vaca Muerta · YPF
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 9 SOURCES] July oil production was 17.2% higher than in July 2025. diarioprimerahora.com · www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Vaca Muerta produced 643,100 barrels per day in July, a 26.4% year-on-year increase. diarioprimerahora.com · www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · +4 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] National natural gas production was 158.8 million cubic meters per day in July. www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · asiesnuestravida.com.ar · mendozatoday.com.ar · +1 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The energy trade balance recorded a monthly surplus of US$892 million in July. diarioprimerahora.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Crude oil exports totaled US$5,722 million between January and July 2026. diarioprimerahora.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · www.rionegro.com.ar
- [● 9 SOURCES] Argentina's oil production reached a record 916,200 barrels per day in July 2026. diarioprimerahora.com · www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · +4 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Crude oil became Argentina's top export product in the first half of 2026. diarioprimerahora.com · www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · +4 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Energy sector exports reached US$1,506 million in July, a 97.8% year-on-year increase. diarioprimerahora.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · www.perfil.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Energy sector exports in July reached US$1,506 million, a 97.8% year-on-year increase. diarioprimerahora.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · www.perfil.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Energy imports fell by 7.3% to US$614 million in July. diarioprimerahora.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · www.perfil.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] YPF aims for two out of every three barrels produced to be for export by 2031. elintransigente.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] Crude oil became Argentina's leading export product in the first half of 2026. diarioprimerahora.com · www.mejorinformado.com · fmimpacto107.com.ar · labandadiario.com · laventanasanrafael.com.ar · +4 more