It has a projected investment of up to USD 2.9 billion. The largest oil companies in the country are participating
VMOS will allow the transportation of up to 550,000 barrels of shale oil per day, with the possibility of expanding to 700,000 barrels per day in the future. This will not only ensure production growth but also consolidate Argentina as a key player in global energy supply, especially in the Asian market, thanks to the connection with VLCC (Very Large Crude Carriers) ships.
In addition to the strong impact on exports, the pipeline will be a driver of regional development. It will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Neuquén and Río Negro and will boost local economies.
According to a PwC report aimed at international investors, the full development of Vaca Muerta could lead Argentina to an energy surplus of USD 30 billion by 2030. This figure would equate the energy sector with the foreign exchange generation of agriculture, resolving historical external constraints and strengthening macroeconomic stability.
The RIGI and the Vaca Muerta Oil Sur pipeline represent a concrete step in that direction, showing that the country is heading toward a new stage of sustainable growth, with clear rules and predictability for investments.
The National Government continues advancing in the transformation of the country's productive matrix, this time with the approval of the entry into the Regime of Incentive for Large Investments (RIGI) of the megaproject Vaca Muerta Oil Sur (VMOS). It is a key project that will allow Argentina to enhance its export profile, consolidating its position as a regional leader in energy production.
With a projected investment of up to USD 2.9 billion, the consortium composed of YPF, Pan American Energy, Vista, Pluspetrol, Pampa Energía, Chevron, and Shell is preparing to build a 267-mile (430 kilometers) pipeline between Neuquén and Río Negro, in addition to complementary works. The economic impact will be significant: it is estimated that the country could generate additional exports of more than USD 15 billion annually starting from the second half of 2027.
The approval of VMOS within the RIGI was confirmed by the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, who highlighted the importance of the project for the country's economic future. "The Evaluation Committee approved today the second RIGI project and the first Long-Term Strategic Export. This investment will allow oil exports of more than USD 15 billion per year", the minister noted, celebrating the leadership of Daniel González and the Energy and Mining team.
The megaproject already has secured financing of USD 1.7 billion through a syndicated loan from five international banks, reflecting private capital's confidence in the Argentine government's policies. The construction, which began in January, is progressing steadily with earthworks and the arrival of pipes, as confirmed by YPF in its reports to investors.
