What are the main oil basins in Argentina?

Argentina stands out for its vast oil reserves. Discover the 5 main basins and why they are key to the regional energy industry.
¿Cuáles son las principales cuencas petroleras de Argentina?

Argentina is known for its vast hydrocarbon reserves, distributed across various sedimentary basins throughout the country. Five out of all of them stand out as the main producers of oil and gas: the Northwest, Cuyo, Neuquén, San Jorge Gulf, and Austral or Magallanes basins.

Neuquén Basin: It is one of the most important in South America in terms of hydrocarbon production. It is located east of the Andes, in the northern region of Patagonia and it extends ​​over 120,000 km2 which embraces  a great diversity of oil and gas fields such as Vaca Muerta formation. Same is considered one of the most promising worldwide in unconventional resources.

San Jorge Gulf Basin: It is in central Patagonia. Such basin is one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in Argentina since it covers an area of about ​​170,000 km2and it holds significant reserves. Thus, it is the second most important  basin after the Neuquén Basin.

Austral Basin: It is mainly located in the province of Santa Cruz and it has five production platforms; as a result, it is the largest offshore operation in Argentina. The Magallanes Area is crucial Argentine oil industry due to its offshore operation conditions and its significant contribution to national hydrocarbon production.

Cuyo Basin: It is a key region for oil and gas production. Its exploration and exploitation were fundamental in the country’s energy industry. In fact, this basin stands out for its potential in both conventional and unconventional fields. Although the basin covers about 40,000 km2, current fields only accounts for 12.5% of this area. Despite its maturity, recent technological advances have led to significant discoveries, which result in a remarkable increase in oil production.

Northwest Basin: It is in the northern region of Argentina and it is recognized for its historical importance in the country’s oil industry. Although it holds only 1% of proven oil reserves and 8% of gas reserves, it drums up  interest for hydrocarbon exploration and production.

ISI Oilfield Chemicals present in the main Argentine oil basins

ISI Oilfield Chemicals is a leading company in the oil, gas and mining industry in Argentina and the region since it provides a wide range of essential chemicals for energy operations.

To effectively support said operations in the country’s main oil basins, we have established operational bases located in key areas near Neuquén Basin and San Jorge Gulf Basin.

This strategic location allows us to offer agile and efficient logistical and technical support, ensuring timely delivery of chemicals and specialized services to our customers throughout the region.

Vista Alegre Operational Base, Neuquén 

Near Neuquén Basin, you will find our first operational base, which began operating in 2016. Same is located just a few meters away from Route 7 which is the main communication and transportation route to Vaca Muerta.

There is a laboratory prepared to provide agile responses to our customers’ requirements. Additionally, we have implemented a 250,000-liter tank area which allows us to receive and dispatch products in bulk. As a result,  our additives stock in the region is strengthened. 

Comodoro Rivadavia Operational Base, Chubut 

In 2022, we landed in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, where we are developing a new operational base near  San Jorge Gulf Basin, one of the most important basins in the country. This base is designed to store chemicals and to offer high-quality technical support to the local oil industry. It will also have commercial offices and meeting facilities to enhance interaction with customers and collaborators.

ISI Oilfield Chemicals, an over 30-year experience company, is consolidating itself as a reliable and crucial partner for the success of oil operations in the country. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates.