Truckers union blockade halts drilling operations in Santa Cruz

A drilling campaign at the Anticlinal Aguada Bandera field in Santa Cruz, Argentina, has been disrupted by a blockade from the Camioneros union. The union is protesting the use of dry locations, following a provincial authorization to dispose of cuttings in trenches to avoid transportation requirements.

The blockade occurred shortly before a scheduled visit by Governor Claudio Vidal to the site, where the Venver drilling rig was being assembled. The campaign, part of the 2026-2027 program, involves Quintana Energy investing USD 10 million to drill five wells: four for development and one exploratory well in the D-129 formation.

Company sources have expressed doubt regarding the continuation of the campaign if the union maintains its position. The delay threatens the reactivation of hydrocarbon activity in the area and may impact local suppliers and workers expected to join the operation.