Añelo, a once-sleepy town in Argentina, is experiencing a seismic shift with the rise of the fracking industry. Mechanic Fabio Javier Jiménez recounted how his family-owned tyre shop struggled in its early days due to the lack of infrastructure in the town. However, the commencement of fracking operations in 2014 transformed Añelo, exploding its population from approximately 10,800 to nearly 18,000 by 2022 as workers flocked to the area.

The influx of jobs and income has resulted in bustling roads and increased commerce, as evidenced by Mr. Jiménez’s booming tyre repair business, which now services 20 vehicles a day compared to just two in its early days. This growth is largely fueled by its prime location in the Vaca Muerta region, which contains vast oil and gas reserves and is pivotal to Argentina's energy production.

Despite the local success, economists caution against overestimating fracking's potential to solve Argentina's broader economic woes, which include high inflation and public debt issues. While the energy sector has brought in a reported $6 billion surplus, experts argue that relying solely on oil and gas ignores deeper systemic economic challenges.

As Añelo continues to evolve, the mix of opportunity and caution underscores the complexities of navigating rapid economic changes in a nation still grappling with historical and ongoing economic instability.