# AOG Patagonia 2026 energy exhibition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aog-patagonia-2026-energy-exhibition > Updated: 2026-10-18T21:12:52.000Z. Sources: 66. Developments: 3. The AOG Patagonia 2026 energy exhibition has commenced at the DUAM Space in Neuquén, bringing together approximately 550 companies and an expected 17,000 visitors. Organized by the Instituto Argentino del Petróleo y del Gas (IAPG) and Messe Frankfurt, the event focuses on the hydrocarbon sector and the development of the Vaca Muerta formation. President Javier Milei participated in the inauguration, using his keynote address to defend his administration’s economic model and deregulation policies. He specifically cited the elimination of the ‘barril criollo’ via DNU 70/23 as a catalyst for increased production. Milei reported that Vaca Muerta’s production rose from an average of 310,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 932,000 barrels per day in August 2026, noting that production is now approaching the one-million-barrel milestone, a figure that surpasses the previous historical record set in 1998. The President highlighted a significant trade milestone, stating that energy exports exceeded $10 billion in a single month, contributing to a trade surplus of $2,976 million in September. He emphasized the importance of the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) for generating employment and foreign currency, while criticizing previous energy policies for creating annual deficits of up to $5 billion. During his address, Milei dismissed claims that many Argentines struggle to survive until the end of the month, labeling such assertions as ‘a stupidity’ or ‘nonsense’—referring to them as ‘pelotudez’—promoted by political opponents. He also expressed confidence in his economic model regarding the 2027 elections. Regional leaders, including Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa, participated in the event. Additionally, the province of Santa Cruz used the platform to promote its own hydrocarbon exploration projects in areas such as Palermo Aike and the D-129 formation. ## Claims - President Javier Milei attended the AOG Patagonia 2026 exhibition in Neuquén. (corroborated by 37 sources) - The RIGI is described by the President as a key piece for generating employment and dollars. (corroborated by 9 sources) - The energy sector generated a surplus of over $10 billion in a single month. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Argentina Oil & Gas Patagonia 2026 event features more than 550 companies. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The President criticized previous energy policies for creating annual energy balance deficits of up to $5 billion. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Vaca Muerta production exceeded 670,000 barrels per day in August 2026. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The trade balance showed a surplus of $2,976 million in September. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Argentina's national oil production reached 932,000 barrels per day in August 2026. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-18: Javier Milei highlights Vaca Muerta growth at AOG Patagonia 2026 President Javier Milei attended the AOG Patagonia 2026 expo in Neuquén, highlighting Vaca Muerta's production growth and defending his economic deregulation policies. 63 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-president-milei-to-attend-aog-patagonia-energy-summit ### 2026-10-12: Energy industry leaders to convene at AOG Patagonia 2026 in Neuquén AOG Patagonia 2026 will gather over 400 energy brands and major industry CEOs in Neuquén to discuss Vaca Muerta investment opportunities and sector financing. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/energy-industry-leaders-to-convene-at-aog-patagonia-2026-in-neuqun ### 2026-10-08: Javier Milei to inaugurate AOG Patagonia 2026 in Neuquén President Javier Milei will visit Neuquén on October 19 to inaugurate the AOG Patagonia 2026 oil and gas exhibition and meet with Governor Rolando Figueroa. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/javier-milei-to-inaugurate-aog-patagonia-2026-in-neuqun --- Cite as: AOG Patagonia 2026 energy exhibition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aog-patagonia-2026-energy-exhibition