Argentina’s state-controlled oil company YPF agreed to buy TotalEnergies’ 45% interests in the La Escalonada and Rincón La Ceniza blocks in the Vaca Muerta shale basin for US$500 million. The deal, confirmed by YPF President and Chief Executive Officer Horacio Marín, outbid offers from rivals Vista and Tecpetrol and cements YPF’s role as operator of both assets. The two blocks, located in the northern section of Vaca Muerta, hold concessions running to 2051 and together pump roughly 25,000 barrels of crude a day, with additional wet-gas potential. Shell retains a 45% stake in each area and the Neuquén provincial company Gas y Petróleo holds the remaining 10%. YPF said the acquisition aligns with its strategy of expanding its world-class unconventional portfolio and supports future plans to export liquefied natural gas. The purchase follows last year’s US$327 million takeover of Exxon Mobil and Qatar Energy positions in the Sierra Chata block as the company accelerates growth in Argentina’s premier shale play.