Bolivia has announced plans to sell gas to Brazil after Argentina reduces its imports in 2024 due to its own gas field development in Vaca Muerta.
Armin Dorgathen, President of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB), stated that the gas previously sold to Argentina will find a market in Brazil instead.
This decision comes as Argentina aims for energy self-sufficiency with its Vaca Muerta field, which is expected to significantly reduce its demand for Bolivian gas.
Argentina recently inaugurated the first section of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline in Salliqueló, with plans to complete the second section that will transport gas from Vaca Muerta to northern Argentina.
Sergio Massa, the Argentine Minister of Economy and presidential pre-candidate, emphasized the country’s shift towards using gas from its own reserves, eliminating the need for imports from ships or Bolivia.
The gas from Vaca Muerta will serve the northern regions of Argentina.
Currently, Bolivia produces around 40 million cubic meters per day (MMm3d) of natural gas, with 17 MMm3d going to Brazil, 10 MMm3d to Argentina, and 12.5 MMm3d for domestic use.
Bolivia is a key natural gas exporter in Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Colombia, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico.