On December 13, Argentina celebrates National Oil Day, a date that commemorates the discovery of the first oil well in the country in 1907, in the town of Comodoro Rivadavia, province of Chubut. This discovery, originated in the search for water to supply the region, culminated in the discovery of hydrocarbons, a resource that since then has been central to Argentina's industry and economy.

This location took place during the presidency of José Figueroa Alcorta, who, as soon as he was notified, decreed a fiscal reserve of 5 leagues in all directions, taking as a center the town of Comodoro Rivadavia, to protect the new oil resources found, marking a before and after in the energetic and economic development of the nation.

At that time, the use of oil was minimal in Argentina, but its strategic value was already beginning to be understood and its future development was in sight. In 1922, General Enrique Mosconi promoted the creation of Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales (YPF), the first vertically integrated national oil company, dedicated to the exploitation, refining and commercialization of hydrocarbons.

Today, the geological formation of Vaca Muerta, located in the Neuquina basin, has consolidated as the central axis of unconventional hydrocarbon production in Argentina. Vaca Muerta, which covers an area of some 30,000 square kilometers and holds the world's second largest gas reserves and fourth largest unconventional oil reserves, has yielded excellent results in production, efficiency and investments.

The development of Vaca Muerta not only strengthens the national economy, but also generates employment, boosts regional growth and positions the country as a benchmark in the transition to more efficient energy sources.

On this National Petroleum Day, we recall the importance of continuing to work for an energy development that benefits present and future generations, and we reaffirm our commitment to protect this valuable strategic resource for the country.