Bankrolling the Vaca Muerta
Buenos Aires will pay out billions to keep the sector afloat despite Argentina’s stark economic crisis
Argentina will spend more than $5bn over the next four years as part of a new government initiative to support the country’s gas sector and develop its prolific Vaca Muerta shale reserves. The scheme aims to cut gas imports by 589.75mn ft³/d (16.7mn m³/d) through to 2023, lessening the financial burden on Argentina and improving national energy security. The government will spend $1.49bn on the gas subsidy plan in 2021 and then over $1bn per year until 2025. Gas production of c.2.47bn ft³/d will receive a subsidy, although the government will only cover the difference between the price realised when the gas is auctioned and a ceiling price of $3.70/mn Btu. “In the past, we have seen how gas
Also in this section
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
