YPF Targets 2026 FID for LNG Project, Shell Exits Over Scope Changes

Core Insights - YPF Sociedad Anonima, an Argentinian state-owned energy company, is set to make a final investment decision (FID) on a $20 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project by 2026, in collaboration with Eni and ADNOC's XRG, targeting a capacity of 12 million metric tons per year (mtpa) [1][7] - Shell plc has exited a different phase of the Argentina LNG project due to significant changes in project dynamics, which resulted in the project's capacity being reduced from 12 mtpa to 6 mtpa; YPF plans to find a new partner to replace Shell [2][7] - YPF anticipates starting exports from the LNG project in 2030 or 2031, contingent on reaching FID by mid-2026, with exports expected to commence four years after the potential FID [3][7] Company Developments - YPF's CEO indicated that each partner in the LNG project is expected to hold approximately one-third of the project's equity [1] - The company is currently prioritizing the project phase being developed with Eni and ADNOC's XRG following Shell's withdrawal [2] Future Projections - The timeline for YPF's LNG project includes a potential FID by mid-2026, with exports projected to begin in 2030 or 2031 [3]