[REVISION HISTORY]

Vaca Muerta expansion: infrastructure, drilling, and social

Updated 15 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-04 15:31 UTC → 2026-09-05 14:44 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Vaca Muerta’s expansion continues to drive Argentina toward significant production milestones through massive infrastructure and drilling surges. A 50-50 joint venture between Continental Resources and Mercuria Energy Group in Phoenix Global Resources aims to invest over USD 4 billion over five years, targeting a production increase from 28,000 boepd to over 100,000 boepd. Infrastructure projects are accelerating to support export capacity. The Duplicar Norte pipeline is scaling toward 500,000 barrels per day by March 2027, while the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS) project—a USD 3 billion investment by a consortium including YPF, Chevron, and Shell—is entering its final phase with a target completion date in December. This project ~~continues~~ aims to ~~advance.~~ establish an export node via a 437-kilometer pipeline and an offshore terminal in the Gulf of San Matías. In the LNG sector, the Southern Energy (SESA) consortium is progressing with plans to export up to 6 million tons of LNG annually via the San Matías Pipeline. ~~The SESA consortium is nearing the closure of a US$900 million loan to support the US$1,300 million San Matías Pipeline project.~~ Meanwhile, Argentina ~~LNG, a partnership involving YPF, Eni, and XRG,~~ LNG is negotiating a debt package estimated between US$14,000 million and US$16,000 million. ~~Operational activity remains high but shows monthly fluctuations. Fracturing activity in~~ Industry leaders have noted that the ~~formation saw a 12% rebound in August with 2,262 stages completed, following a low in July. Year-to-date,~~ Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) has improved the ~~Neuquén Basin recorded 19,955 stages,~~ business climate by providing predictability for long-term projects. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is emerging as a ~~21.81% increase compared to the same period in 2025. YPF continues~~ major driver; projections suggest LPG production could reach 4.4 to ~~lead sector activity, accounting for 44% of August’s total, followed~~ 4.8 million tons by ~~Vista Energy.~~ 2030, with potential annual exports exceeding USD 2 billion. Despite growth, expansion faces social challenges. Operations ~~in the Neuquén Basin~~ encounter resistance from Indigenous Mapuche communities ~~whose~~ regarding ancestral ~~lands overlap with drilling sites,~~ lands, leading to tensions and road blockades. ~~To manage growth, Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa has implemented a Provincial Industrial Plan and is pursuing financing to pre-finance road infrastructure.~~

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