Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2026-01-06 08:51Core Viewpoint - The global oil industry has successfully lobbied for the support of Delcy Rodríguez as the interim president of Venezuela, which is expected to lead to a relaxation of U.S. sanctions and a potential recovery of U.S. business interests in the country [1][2]. Group 1: Political Developments - Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as the interim president of Venezuela on January 5, with U.S. support following a public statement from Trump [1]. - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the focus will be on Rodríguez's actions rather than her words [1]. - Rodríguez has begun consolidating power and has signaled a willingness to establish a "cooperative agenda" with the U.S. [1]. Group 2: Industry Perspectives - Oil executives and investors have been lobbying for Rodríguez's succession due to her experience as a former oil minister and her ability to manage international sanctions and economic pressures [2]. - There is a consensus in the oil industry that Rodríguez is better positioned than opposition leader María Corina Machado to stabilize Venezuela's oil-dependent economy and facilitate the return of U.S. business interests [2]. - Chevron is seen as a major beneficiary of a potential recovery in Venezuela's oil industry, with other companies like ConocoPhillips and Shell also poised to benefit from a relaxation of sanctions [3]. Group 3: Economic Implications - Venezuela has begun shutting down oil wells due to depleted inventories, which poses a risk to economic recovery [3]. - The urgency for U.S. companies to have sanctions lifted is driven by the need for Rodríguez to deliver results quickly [3]. - Rodríguez's background in finance and her connections within the existing socialist government structure are viewed as assets for managing the country's economic challenges [3].