Argentina Starts Falklands Oil Sanctions Process Against 45 People and Firms

Argentina’s government said late Friday that it had begun sanctions proceedings against 45 people and companies accused of involvement in Falklands-area oil exploration and production. Decree 868/2026 gives the Foreign Ministry enforcement authority under Law 26,659, with suspected violators generally receiving 10 business days to respond. The law allows five- to 20-year bans on operating in Argentina and possible reversal of Argentine hydrocarbon concessions. Rockhopper and Navitas said their Falkland-issued licenses remain valid and that Argentina’s actions should not materially affect the Sea Lion project or its timetable for expected production in 2028.