YPF, the Argentine state energy company, has drilled the longest horizontal oil well lateral, at 3,890 meters, or more than 12,700 feet, in the Vaca Muerta shale play, S&P Global Platts reports , citing a source close to the company. The record-breaking lateral—the horizontal part of the well—was drilled in the Bandurria Sur area, which YPF is developing in partnership with Schlumberger. The Argentine state major now has plans for more long laterals, at more than 2,500 meters, at a project it is working on in partnership with Chevron: Loma Campana. Longer laterals in horizontal wells enable greater production from a single well, saving the operator money. Investment concerns are serious for YPF amid political instability in Argentina and the oil price volatility on international markets. The concerns become even more pronounced in the context of YPF’s ambition to become an oil exporter rivaling the United States, according to […]