YPF targets Vaca Muerta upsurge
In the wake of positive financials, the Argentinian operator is lifting capex spend and is bullish on barrels
Shale production from the Vaca Muerta basin is rapidly offsetting dwindling conventional output in Argentinian state oil company YPF’s portfolio and is primed for strong growth heading into 2022. The company achieved record shale output of 61,000bl/d in October, having increased supply by 38pc across Q3 compared with the previous quarter. “Shale production in Vaca Muerta is absolutely essential for YPF to offset the decline in conventional production, which is expected to run at a 10pc rate,” says Ezequiel Fernandez, equity and credit research director at Argentinian investment bank Balanz Capital. “We expect shale oil production next year to grow [by] 40pc, provided the pricing environment
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic






