Añelo, a once sleepy town, has been transformed into a bustling hub thanks to the fracking boom in the Vaca Muerta oil and gas formation. Mechanic Fabio Javier Jiménez recalls moving his family business to Añelo before the town exploded in growth, fueled by the energy industry's demands.
The population surged from 10,788 in 2010 to 17,893 by 2022, as workers flocked to the town for employment in the oil sector. The fracking boom has drawn thousands of daily commuters, drastically increasing vehicular traffic and changing the local economy.
The Vaca Muerta formation holds vast reserves of oil and gas, which have become increasingly valuable with advancements in fracking technology. Despite the local boom, critical voices warn that Argentina's broader economic struggles may undermine the potential benefits of this newfound wealth.
Experts point out that while the energy sector has generated significant exports and reduced financial deficits, systemic issues such as high inflation, public debt, and insufficient infrastructure pose ongoing challenges. Environmental concerns also linger as local residents and activists voice their worries about the long-term implications of fracking on both the ecosystem and local communities.
"Although we are servicing more vehicles, it doesn't mean the economic issues will resolve themselves," says Jiménez, acknowledging the complex situation where local gains contrast sharply with national barriers.
