Vaca Muerta now produces three times as much gas as Bolivia and sets a historic record

Vaca Muerta's production has surpassed 90 million cubic meters of gas per day, compared to Bolivia's 24 million. In less than a decade, Argentina has gone from depending on its neighbor to becoming the main regional player.

Bolivia, which in 2014 produced more than 60 million cubic meters per day, now faces an alarming decline due to the lack of new reserves. Experts warn that by 2028 it could become a net importer of gas.

New exports and opportunities

Argentine growth is already impacting external markets. At the beginning of this year, the country completed its first exports of Vaca Muerta gas to Brazil, using Bolivian infrastructure. According to specialist Álvaro Ríos Roca, this is just the beginning of a reconfiguration of energy trade in the region.

The expansion of the Northern Gas Pipeline and competitiveness in transportation rates will be decisive for consolidating Vaca Muerta as a regional supplier, both for Bolivia and for Brazil.

Vaca Muerta, engine of growth

With 57.7% of Argentine oil coming from the Neuquén formation and record production levels—more than 811,000 barrels per day—the basin is establishing itself as one of the most important unconventional reserves in the world.

The challenge will be to sustain investment in infrastructure and maintain competitiveness in an increasingly demanding market.