Vaca Muerta

GeoPark maintained its output at 27,271 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the second quarter while accelerating shale drilling in Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation. The company, focused on Colombia, is expanding operations in Argentina.

WTI's surge is positively impacting Brazil's pre-salt region, Guyana's oil boom, Argentina's Vaca Muerta, and Venezuela. However, Pemex continues to struggle with heavy debt.

Argentina’s energy surplus reached $6.99 billion in the first half of 2026, an 87% increase from the previous year. The growth was primarily driven by higher export volumes rather than price changes, with the Vaca Muerta region as a key source.

Argentina’s state oil company has announced plans to drill off Uruguay’s coast but has not received government approval. The CEO claims the project will surpass Vaca Muerta in size, while the transfer of a block to Eni remains pending, and campaigners are challenging the move in court.

Argentina's state oil company YPF plans to begin exploratory drilling of an offshore block off the coast of Uruguay between late 2027 and early 2028. The company's chairman and chief executive, Horacio Marín, stated the area's potential could surpass the Vaca Muerta unconventional field if confirmed.

Italy's Eni and Abu Dhabi's XRG have each secured a 32% stake in three Vaca Muerta gas blocks, supporting Argentina's initiative to boost LNG exports. The agreement involves YPF's Vaca Muerta gas assets.

Hazardous waste from Neuquén’s oil industry in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta region increased by over 35% in a year, with treatment plants nearing capacity after handling more than one million cubic metres of waste. Drill-rock waste, referred to as 'cutting,' is highlighted as a significant contributor to the problem.

S&P raised Argentina's credit rating to B- from CCC+ with a stable outlook, citing a budget surplus, central-bank dollar reserves, and improved financing access. The agency highlighted Argentina's Vaca Muerta energy project as a key factor in the upgrade.