The Nestor Kirchner pipeline under construction
Argentina plays midstream waiting game
The arrival of additional gas takeaway capacity this year is welcome news for E&Ps, but much more will be needed if the Vaca Muerta is ever going to replicate US shale
This year is set to be crucial for cash-strapped Argentina. Despite the government setting ambitious oil and gas targets, growth in the Vaca Muerta shale basin is dependent on the arrival of the Nestor Kirchner gas pipeline in 2023 and the building out of more midstream takeaway capacity before the end of the decade. The first stage of the pipeline is projected to come online on 20 June, adding another 11mn m³/d of exit capacity and—barring any delays—saving Argentina from another winter of discontent. Last year, the government was forced to fill the supply gap by importing the equivalent LNG at heavy excess cost. “There are a lot of hurdles, but we have not identified anything yet that make
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
