Argentinian shale suffers further setbacks
The government was relying on Vaca Muerta to solve its financial problems. But another default looms as Covid-19 disrupts growth plans
Argentina’s shale industry, like its US counterpart, is facing possible financial ruin. Plunging oil prices have reduced production in the Vaca Muerta basin to a trickle, while lockdown of facility workers is further slowing operations. And the threat of widespread job losses and potential bankruptcies is disastrous timing for a government desperately needing oil revenues to stave off a ninth national default. State oil company YPF is particularly feeling the effects. The firm has been the leading driver of growth in the Vaca Muerta basin, working in collaboration with several international joint partners including Malaysian state oil firm Petronas and Chevron. Diminished physical demand, re
Also in this section
24 January 2025
Domestic companies in Nigeria and other African jurisdictions are buying assets from existing majors they view as more likely to deliver production upside under their stewardship
23 January 2025
The end of transit, though widely anticipated, leaves Europe paying a third more for gas than a year ago and greatly exposed to supply shocks
23 January 2025
The country’s government and E&P companies are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to increase domestic crude output as BP–ONGC tie-up leads the way
22 January 2025
The return of Donald Trump gives further evidence of ‘big oil’ as an investable asset, with the only question being whether anyone is really surprised
