Argentina has a large hydrocarbon potential as the country's vast territory harbours rich reserves of oil and natural gas.

The Neuquén Basin, home of the productive Vaca Muerta shale formation, contains the second-largest shale gas deposits and fourth-largest shale oil reserves in the world. After being developed in 2012–2013, the deposit currently produces 39% of the nation's 571,000 barrels of oil per day and 52% of its 130 million cubic metres of gas per day. Due to the significant investment and exploration efforts drawn to this resource, Argentina is now positioned as a major player in the world energy market, with an expected overall production of more than 1 million b/d by 2026. Moreover, completion of the Trans-Andean pipeline revamp, providing a Pacific loading terminal for Argentinian crude and a capacity increase on the existing line to Puerto Rosales on the Atlantic coast, will allow exports to surpass 500,000 b/d by the same year.

As the world's energy transitions towards net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, demand for gas is growing, and Argentina may soon find itself competing with Australia and Qatar in the LNG market thanks to an even greater increase in gas output. Argentina produced 140 million cubic metres of natural gas per day last winter, and new pipelines would increase transport capacity by an additional 21 million m3/d, enabling shale drillers to expand their operations.

Besides Vaca Muerta potential, Argentina´s vast onshore and offshore basins also present more chances for the discovery and development of hydrocarbons. The country´s hydrocarbon potential remains a pillar for domestic and international economic growth as it continues to invest in technology and environmentally friendly extraction techniques.

Get more information about the potential of hydrocarbon industry in Argentina, as well as construction investment projects.