Deutsche Umwelthilfe criticizes BASF over Argentinian fracking investments

Ahead of the BASF annual general meeting on May 2, the environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has issued a call for shareholders to divest from the company's holdings in fossil fuel interests. Specifically, DUH is targeting BASF’s 39.6% stake in Harbour Energy, which acquired Wintershall Dea’s assets in 2024, including major fracking operations in the Vaca Muerta region of Argentina.

DUH contends that these operations are responsible for significant environmental degradation, including water contamination and seismic activity, while violating the rights of the indigenous Mapuche community. The organization argues that BASF, through its significant ownership position, bears responsibility for the impacts of these projects.

With plans to export gas from these fields to Germany, the debate has reached a national scale. DUH is now calling on the German federal government to implement a ban on imports of gas sourced via hydraulic fracturing, citing the potential for continued human rights violations and environmental harm in the extraction regions.