One of the most significant economic developments of the Milei presidency has been the exponential growth of the unconventional oil fields in Vaca Muerta, Neuquén.

The data is compelling, particularly in the oil sector. 

Activity in the sector grew 16.2% year-over-year during the first quarter of 2026, according to the latest Industrial and Mining Production Index (IPIM) from the INDEC statistics institute.

The data also shows that exports grew by 9.3% in 2025 compared to 2024, totaling US$87 billion. Energy exports were the fourth-largest category — at US$11.1 billion — and accounted for 12.7% of the total.

The Energy Institute at Austral University further noted that 878 million oil barrels per day were produced in March alone. The figure represents a 15.8% year-over-year increase, “consolidating the expansion trend driven primarily by unconventional developments.”

“This sector showed a unique trend: export volumes grew by a significant 28.5% [year-over-year], reflecting the expansion of domestic energy production from Vaca Muerta,” added Austral University. 

This boom has countless benefits. For one, it is........

© Buenos Aires Herald