In March 2026, the LAC region reported sustained growth in its hydrocarbon sector. Oil production increased by 9% year-on-year, reaching 324 million barrels (Mbbl), with Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela accounting for 69% of the total volumen.While 53% of crude oil imports were sourced intra-regionally, exports remained focused on extra-regional markets, as only 12% of the total value of the region’s oil exports was destined for LAC countries.

Meanwhile, natural gas production grew by 5% year-on-year, reaching 22 billion m³. In a context of uncertainty in international markets due to tensions in the Middle East, LAC reaffirms its strategic importance, led by Argentina (23%), Trinidad and Tobago (21%), and Brazil (15%), which dominate regional supply.

Energy interdependence in natural gas also showed significant progress: 49% of the total value of natural gas imports was conducted between neighboring countries, consolidating regional autonomy and supply.

July 2026
Oil and Natural Gas Report in Latin America and the Caribbean

Newsletter summary

In March 2026, the LAC region reported sustained growth in its hydrocarbon sector. Oil production increased by 9% year-on-year, reaching 324 million barrels (Mbbl), with Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela accounting for 69% of the total volumen.While 53% of crude oil imports were sourced intra-regionally, exports remained focused on extra-regional markets, as only 12% of the […]

Capacity building & knowledge

We advance high-level technical training programs that foster experience-sharing and develop the human and institutional capacities required to drive energy transformations across our region.

Our academic programs offer executive courses, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and innovative initiatives focused on key areas such as the energy transition, conventional and renewable energy, electromobility, and regional integration.

OLACDE builds a regional network of energy expertise, connecting governments, young professionals, academics, and industry experts to foster collaborative solutions through technical cooperation and talent development to address future energy and climate challenges.

Technical cooperation & climate finance

We strengthen South-South and triangular cooperation as key drivers to accelerate energy transitions across Latin America and the Caribbean. OLACDE unites efforts among governments, multilateral organizations, academic institutions, and the private sector to mobilize financing, technical expertise, and innovative solutions tailored to our regional context.

We advance strategic initiatives aimed at directing resources toward decarbonization, conventional energy, renewables, and energy justice projects—building a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable regional cooperation architecture.

Regional energy community

We are building a regional energy community with a global outlook, positioning Latin America and the Caribbean as a pivotal player on the international stage. OLACDE amplifies regional representation in key multilateral energy, trade, and climate forums by fostering strategic alliances and international cooperation.

Through flagship events such as Energy Week and new spaces for high-level dialogue, we champion a collective voice that attracts investment, drives technical partnerships, and unlocks sustainable development opportunities across our region

Energy transition & strategic projects

We foster a regional energy transition built on sustainability, energy security, and social inclusion. OLACDE supports Member Countries in adopting emerging technologies—such as energy efficiency, storage solutions, green hydrogen, electromobility, and grid digitalization—to accelerate the sector’s decarbonization.

Our approach promotes strategic projects that strengthen energy resilience across Latin America and the Caribbean, reducing emissions while building a cleaner, more competitive energy infrastructure. Key regional initiatives, including OEMLAC, position our region as a benchmark for climate innovation and sustainable energy development.

Energy information and data

We develop regional platforms dedicated to energy intelligence, technical analysis, and strategic data systems that empower both public and private decision-making across the sector. OLACDE drives digital transformation in energy by leveraging artificial intelligence, georeferencing, and advanced analytical tools to map regional energy trends.

The integration of systems such as SieLAC, along with new regional digital platforms, consolidates reliable, up-to-date technical data—enabling modern, interoperable, and evidence-based energy planning.

Regional energy integration

We foster cooperation across the regional energy sector by prioritizing infrastructure development, cross-border collaboration, and regulatory alignment to enhance energy security in Latin America and the Caribbean. OLACDE coordinates strategic projects in power grid interconnections, natural gas integration, and joint energy planning to build resilient, sustainable partnerships.

Working alongside the governments of our 27 Member States, regional blocs, multilateral institutions, and key public and private stakeholders, we drive initiatives that introduce innovative energy exchange mechanisms, strengthen national capacities, and accelerate a unified regional energy transition.