Drilling in the Vaca Muerta
Argentina poised to surpass record oil production
Imminent midstream additions in the Vaca Muerta set the stage for sharp jump in upstream growth
Argentina’s oil output ended last year at its highest level in more than 20 years and, in 2025, looks set to eclipse the record set almost 30 years ago. Production topped 702,000b/d last year as domestic gas also exceeded 50bcm, the highest level posted since 2006. Argentina’s previous all-time record for oil production was just shy of 847,000b/d, set in 1998. This year, midstream takeaway additions will sharply lift growth in the Vaca Muerta shale play and likely breach the previous high before 2026. In 2024, Vaca Muerta output accounted for a 54.9% share of Argentina’s oil production and 50.1% of its gas. “Midstream capacity will be key in determining how much production growth Argentina s
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
