Opportunities for the Development of Gas in Latin America and the Caribbean

Today, 3 June 2026, the International Gas Union (IGU) together with the Association of Oil, Gas and Renewable Energy Companies of Latin America and the Caribbean (ARPEL), and the Latin American Energy Organization (OLACDE) launched a landmark report, Opportunities for the Development of Gas in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the region's potential to become a leading force in global energy markets while advancing its own energy evolution and socio-economic development.

The Report identifies major opportunities for Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen their energy security, reduce their energy poverty and support the wider global energy evolution, while highlighting how responsible development of the region’s vast Gas resources could unlock economic growth, regional integration and lower-emission energy systems.

While Latin America and the Caribbean possess abundant conventional and unconventional Gas resources, including major shale formations, offshore discoveries and significant undeveloped reserves, the region currently accounts for only around five percent of global natural gas production.

"Latin America and the Caribbean stand at a pivotal moment in their energy future," said Andrea Stegher, the President of the International Gas Union. "The region possesses abundant natural gas resources, yet much of this potential remains underdeveloped. Unlocking it responsibly can help advance energy security, economic growth, industrial competitiveness, regional integration and social development."

The Report identifies several strategic opportunities for the region:

•  Strengthening energy security through greater domestic production and regional cooperation.

• Supporting renewable energy expansion by providing flexible and reliable backup generation for wind, solar and hydropower systems.

• Reducing emissions by replacing more carbon-intensive fuels in power generation, industry and heavy transport.

• Expanding LNG export capacity and contributing to global energy supply diversification.

• Accelerating social development by improving access to cleaner and more affordable energy, particularly in underserved communities.

The Report also highlights the significant potential for deeper regional integration, particularly through enhanced pipeline connectivity and cross-border cooperation. Development of major resource bases, including Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation and Brazil's Pre-Salt fields, could support a new phase of energy integration across the Southern Cone.

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For more information on the Opportunities for the Development of Gas in Latin America and the Caribbean, please contact

Mr Simon Ellis, Senior Advisor, Policy & Advocacy at simon.ellis@igu.org or 
Mr Mark McCrory, IGU Policy and Analysis Director at mark.mccrory@igu.org