Argentina's VMOS Secures $2 Billion Loan for Vaca Muerta South Pipeline

Argentina’s VMOS has secured a $2 billion loan to advance construction of the Vaca Muerta South pipeline, a key infrastructure project aimed at boosting oil exports and reducing energy imports. The pipeline is expected to start operations in late 2026.

(Reuters) — Argentina's VMOS signed a $2 billion loan to finance construction of the Vaca Muerta South pipeline project, the company said in a statement on July 8.

Vaca Muerta, a vast unconventional oil reserve, is pivotal for Argentina to cut costly imports and bolster its economy.

VMOS S.A., a partnership formed by state-run oil company YPF, Vista Energy Argentina, Pampa Energia and Pan American Sur, said the loan has a five-year term and will bear interest at SOFR plus 5.5%.

"This strategic initiative will unleash the country's full oil export potential," VMOS said.

The pipeline is already under construction and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026 with an initial transport capacity of 180,000 barrels per day, increasing to a maximum of 550,000 bpd in 2027, the company added.