Vista Energy finalized the acquisition of Equinor’s assets in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale formation in a deal valued at $712 million. The transaction gives the company led by Miguel Galuccio non-operated stakes in two shale oil blocks in the Neuquén Basin
Anglo-Dutch oil major Shell said it has agreed to acquire Canadian company ARC Resources for $16.4 billion, a deal that strengthens its strategy to expand in shale gas and its presence in North America
According to the Neuquén provincial government, the companies are seeking approval for a $12 billion investment project to develop the Bajo del Choique–La Invernada area
State-owned oil company YPF has awarded U.S. oilfield services provider Halliburton a multi-million-dollar contract to carry out long-term unconventional well completions in Argentina
Oil companies Tecpetrol and GyP have applied for their multi-billion-dollar project in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta unconventional formation to be included under the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), launched in 2024
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has eased restrictions allowing American companies to operate in Venezuela’s oil market, although under strict oversight and reporting conditions
The British giant posted a $3.4 billion loss in the fourth quarter, compared with a $1.2 billion profit in the previous quarter. The loss included $4.3 billion in adjustments, mainly related to impairments in its gas and low-carbon energy businesses
The chief executive of French oil major TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanné, said that the company is “assessing” options to return to Venezuela, but “it’s going to take some time to get a clear investment framework in place”
U.S. President Donald Trump is promising incentives and compensation to oil companies that invest in Venezuela, but the industry remains hesitant due to a “lack of clarity” around support, political uncertainty, and the deterioration of Venezuela’s infrastructure
According to the company’s 2026–2028 strategic plan, the projected investments aim to increase Vaca Muerta production by 60%, reaching 180,000 boe/d in 2028
