Petrobras and Pluspetrol have completed the first import of unconventional natural gas volumes from Vaca Muerta, produced in the Neuquén Basin in Argentina. The operation took place last Friday, October 3, under the agreement signed between the companies and their subsidiaries (Petrobras Operaciones S.A. – POSA and Gas Bridge Comercializadora).

A total of 100,000 cubic meters of natural gas were imported, produced by POSA and Pluspetrol, with the goal of testing the commercial and operational framework of the operation. The gas was transported through pipelines from Argentina to Bolivia and then to Brazil.

Under the contract, Petrobras may import up to 2.0 million cubic meters of natural gas per day on an interruptible basis. New import operations will take place as the companies identify commercial opportunities.

“This first operation is a significant milestone for Petrobras, made possible through the integration of infrastructures, allowing the connection between Petrobras’ own production in Argentina, through its subsidiary POSA, and the Brazilian market. This logistical and commercial solution opens a new pathway for natural gas imports into Brazil, reflecting Petrobras’ commitment to increasing supply and supporting the sustainable development of the natural gas market,” said Petrobras’ Director of Energy Transition and Sustainability, Angélica Laureano (photo).

Petrobras in Argentina
Petrobras maintains production operations in Argentina through POSA, a company subsidiary that holds a 33.6% non-operated interest in the Rio Neuquén field, located in the provinces of Rio Neuquén and Rio Negro. Production from Rio Neuquén comes mainly from unconventional (tight gas) reservoirs in the Punta Rosada and Lajas formations.