Between December 2025 and April 2026, the hydrocarbon sector led foreign currency outflows, benefiting from the new regulatory framework that allows profit repatriation. Harbour Energy, Shell, Chevron, and TotalEnergies are among the main beneficiaries of Argentina's new investment regime.
Neuquén's Legislature will vote this Wednesday on a bill to ratify an agreement with YPF, Argentina's state-owned energy company, for the development of Liquefied Natural Gas. Over 30 local mayors support the initiative, which projects investments exceeding USD 20 billion and 5,000 jobs. Public sector unions announced protests against the deal.
Neuquén's Legislature will debate next week the landmark agreement with YPF to develop the first Liquefied Natural Gas project from Vaca Muerta. The plan involves a $25 billion investment, 30-year fiscal stability, and differentiated royalties. State unions have called for a strike while opposition warns about fiscal impact.
The provincial government of La Pampa, Argentina, unanimously rejected criticism regarding the bidding process for the hydrocarbon area El Medanito. Energy Secretary Matías Toso guaranteed that environmental liabilities will be paid by the companies, not the citizens, amidst the region's first-ever public hearing on oil concessions.
Provincial Deputy Noelia Sosa has formally objected to the Final Environmental Report presented by oil company PCR as the concession for El Medanito—La Pampa's most significant hydrocarbon field—comes to an end. She cited regulatory violations and called for investigations into state officials. Meanwhile, the Provincial Cabinet firmly rejected the allegations and confirmed that water quality tests show no contamination in the Colorado River.
El gobernador Rolando Figueroa presentó en Texas la Ronda 1/2026 que busca atraer inversiones extranjeras para acelerar el desarrollo de la formación neuquina. Las empresas podrán presentar ofertas hasta el 19 de agosto en un proceso que contempla concesiones de hasta 35 años.
El telescopio espacial James Webb detectó una abundancia inesperada de hidrocarburos en el núcleo de la galaxia IRAS 07251?0248, oculta tras densas capas de polvo. El descubrimiento sugiere que muchos núcleos galácticos podrían funcionar como auténticas fábricas de compuestos orgánicos en el universo.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
