While the global shale oil industry is still focused on the Permian Basin in North America, the inland province of Neuqu é n in South America is running an unexpected dark horse.

In July 2026, Argentina's daily oil production broke 916000 barrels, setting a new historical high. This shale land, which had been underestimated for many years, is completely pulling Argentina out of its old label as an energy importing country.

Shale oil fields become the core growth engine

In July, Argentina's daily oil production reached 916000 barrels, a year-on-year increase of 17.2%, setting the highest monthly record in the history of the country's oil industry. As a core source of growth, the Bakamuelta oil field located in the province of Neuqu é n contributes over 70% of the country's oil production. In July, the daily oil production of the oil field exceeded 643000 barrels, a year-on-year increase of 26.4%. The daily natural gas production also reached 96.5 million cubic meters, a year-on-year increase of 5.9%.

Based on the latest data on the Latin American energy industry in 2026, Argentina's total oil exports in the first seven months of 2026 increased by 32% year-on-year. Against the backdrop of a slowdown in global shale oil production capacity, Argentina has become the only major economy in Latin America to achieve double-digit growth in oil and gas production. As the largest shale oil shale gas enrichment area in South America, Bacamuelta's continuous capacity release is providing stable growth momentum for Argentina's energy industry.

Crude oil jumps to core export categories

Driven by the continuous increase in oil production, crude oil has become one of Argentina's main export products since 2026, completely reversing the passive situation of the country's long-term dependence on imports for energy products. Keywords: petroleum, oil fields

With the continuous advancement of the follow-up development project of the Bacamueta oil field, the growth curve of Argentina's oil and gas production will continue to extend upwards. This South American country is rapidly transforming from an energy importing country to an emerging supply force that cannot be ignored in the global oil and gas market.Editor/Cheng Liting