Vaca Muerta accounts for 72.1% of Argentina's oil output and strengthens Neuquén's position

Neuquén consolidated its weight in Argentina's oil industry by contributing 658,639 barrels out of an average national production of 912,966 during July. The province thus accounted for 72.1% of the total volume, driven almost entirely by the development of Vaca Muerta.

The monthly increase was also led by the Neuquina Basin. Provincial production rose by 10,650 barrels, while national growth was 2,476. Shale performance offset the combined decline of the rest of the producing basins and brought Argentina closer to its goal of reaching one million barrels per day.

The expansion of activity is having a direct impact on Neuquén's social and political dynamics. According to provincial government data, around 13,000 people became residents over the past six months, raising demand for housing, transportation, health care and other services in the city of Neuquén and in towns linked to production, such as Añelo.

In this context, Governor Rolando Figueroa deepened talks with Cabinet Chief Diego Santilli. Among the topics addressed were the payment of national debts through real estate and the continuity of the cold zone regime for Patagonia. Figueroa also voiced his support for eliminating the PASO primaries, a position with an impact on the electoral debate ahead of 2027.

Export infrastructure moved forward with the VMOS project. The pipeline has already completed welding of its 437 kilometers between Allen and Punta Colorada, in Río Negro, while the two single-point mooring buoys for the marine terminal are being transported. The system will allow large vessels located between seven and nine kilometers offshore to load crude oil.

Meanwhile, Tecpetrol secured the large investment incentive regime for the Los Toldos II Este block, with an investment plan of up to $6 billion. In addition, Continental Resources agreed to acquire 50% of Phoenix Global Resources in a deal involving $4 billion and a platform of six blocks.

With information from Mejor Energía.