Argentina's energy trade surplus may hit $11 billion in 2026, YPF CEO says (updated)

YPF SA

28/05/2026 16:47

Adds quote from Marin, context
BUENOS AIRES, May 28 (Reuters) - Argentina's energy trade surplus could reach $11 billion in 2026, the CEO of state-run oil company YPF said.
Speaking at the Latam Economic Forum in Buenos Aires, Horacio Marin said the projected balance depends on crude prices holding between $80 and $90 per barrel.
"The goal is for Argentina to export more than $30 billion starting in 2031," he added.
The price of a barrel of oil LCO2 has skyrocket due to the US-Israeli war against Iran, which has increased the value of Argentine shipments.
     In April, the country's energy trade balance hit a record $1.4 billion, representing half of Argentina's total trade surplus for the month.
Industry investments between 2025 and 2031 will total  $130 billion, Marin added. 
The country is seeking to develop production from Vaca Muerta, the unconventional hydrocarbon formation the size of Belgium that holds the world's second-largest shale gas reserves and fourth-largest oil reserves.


 (Reporting by Eliana Raszewski; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez)
 ((Email: Natalia.Siniawski@thomsonreuters.com))