Core Viewpoint - Maurel & Prom has been authorized by the U.S. to expand its operations in Venezuela, marking a significant step towards resuming oil exports after a halt due to previous sanctions [1]. Group 1: Company Operations - Maurel & Prom's teams in Venezuela are fully mobilized and prepared for the next phases of development following the U.S. authorization [1]. - The company had previously halted exports from Venezuela in the second quarter of last year due to the suspension of its license by the U.S. government [1]. - The CEO of Maurel & Prom stated that the clarity provided by the new general license will enable the company to operate with confidence in Venezuela [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - The U.S. Treasury Department issued a new general license that includes Maurel & Prom among other companies authorized to operate in Venezuela [1]. - The updated regulatory framework is expected to stabilize Maurel & Prom's activities in the region [1]. Group 3: Market Response - Following the news of the U.S. authorization, shares of Maurel & Prom increased by 6% in early trading in Paris [1]. - The company has submitted a new license application to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to fully resume its operations in Venezuela [1]. Group 4: Resource Potential - Maurel & Prom reported a significant increase in identified reserves in Venezuela, with studies confirming the potential of previously unproven zones [1].

book "Oro Rojo" about Venezuela's troubled state-run company PDVSA and Mom to three boys.## Read Nextago [Energycategory][Oil gains 3% as Russia-Ukraine talks abruptly end, Iran-US tensions support]ago [Energycategory][Exclusive: Libya brings in Western traders in blow to Russian fuel flows]ago [Sustainabilitycategory][Global Energy Alliance seeking to raise $100 million by 2028 to digitise India's electric grids, CEO says]ago [Energycategory][Santos to cut 10% of jobs, review portfolio; shares slip on prof ...

Core Insights - The US has relaxed sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector, allowing global energy companies to resume operations and negotiate new contracts following the removal of President Nicolas Maduro [1] Group 1: Sanctions and Licenses - The US Treasury Department's OFAC issued general licenses to companies like Chevron, bp, Eni, Shell, and Repsol, enabling them to operate oil and gas projects in Venezuela [2] - A separate license allows international companies to engage with PDVSA for new investments, requiring additional permits from OFAC and excluding transactions with entities in Russia, Iran, or China [3] Group 2: Company Responses and Developments - Chevron stated that the new General Licenses and changes in Venezuela's Hydrocarbons Law are crucial for developing Venezuela's resources and enhancing regional energy security [4] - India's Reliance Industries has secured a general license from the US to purchase Venezuelan oil directly, facilitating a shift from Russian crude to discounted Venezuelan oil [5] Group 3: Economic Strategy and Future Prospects - The relaxation of sanctions is part of a broader strategy to support Venezuela's economic recovery and responsible investment, with a $100 billion reconstruction plan aimed at revitalizing the oil industry [6] - ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are evaluating potential re-entry into Venezuela after their assets were expropriated in 2007 [7]

By Nicole Jao, Shariq Khan, Marianna Parraga and Arathy Somasekhar NEW YORK, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Valero Energy is set to buy up to 6.5 million barrels of Venezuelan crude in March bound for its Gulf Coast refineries, making it the top foreign refiner of the OPEC country's oil ‌since the United States captured President Nicolas Maduro in January, sources said on Friday. Valero was among the first U.S. refiners to resume imports of ‌Venezuelan crude after the United States struck a flagship $2 billion oil ...

By Arathy Somasekhar and Marianna Parraga HOUSTON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA has refused to sell oil to companies without individual U.S. licenses in the past two weeks, four sources from companies seeking to buy cargoes told Reuters, limiting exports and preventing the country from draining brimming storage tanks ‌faster. Washington last month granted both a general license that broadly permits oil exports, and individual licenses to traders Trafigura and Vitol to expo ...

Core Viewpoint - Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a jet fuel shortage caused by U.S. restrictions on oil supplies from Venezuela, impacting operations and travel plans for many passengers [1][10]. Group 1: Airline Operations - Air Canada, the largest carrier in Canada, announced that aviation fuel will not be available at Cuban airports starting Tuesday, leading to flight cancellations [1]. - Smaller airlines, including WestJet and Air Transat, have also canceled flights due to anticipated fuel shortages, with Air Transat suspending all flights to Cuba until the end of April [2][6]. - WestJet has initiated a wind-down of its Cuban operations and is organizing flights to assist customers returning to Canada [6]. Group 2: Fuel Supply Issues - The Cuban Aviation Corporation (ECNA) did not acknowledge the fuel shortage or flight cancellations in its statement, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining aviation safety and reliability [3]. - Air Europa plans to make refueling stops in the Dominican Republic due to the fuel restrictions, indicating that fuel shortfalls are a recurring issue for airlines operating in Cuba [4]. - Historically, Cuba has relied on Venezuela for jet fuel, but since mid-December, it has not received any fuel from Venezuela due to U.S. sanctions [10][11]. Group 3: Impact on Travelers - Travelers in Cuba expressed concern over the flight cancellations and fuel shortages, indicating that the situation is causing anxiety among families and passengers [6][7]. - Despite the issues faced by Canadian airlines, U.S. carriers such as American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Air Lines continue to operate flights to Cuba without current disruptions [8].

Core Viewpoint - Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has reversed most of its output cuts, increasing total production close to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) following a U.S. oil blockade that had previously constrained output [1][2]. Group 1: Production Recovery - PDVSA has resumed production in the Orinoco Belt, now producing slightly over 500,000 bpd, which is more than 100,000 bpd above early January levels [3]. - The recent increases in production are attributed to the easing of export restrictions and the granting of U.S. licenses to trading houses for Venezuelan oil exports [3][4]. Group 2: U.S. Involvement - The U.S. Treasury Department has issued general licenses allowing U.S. companies to export Venezuelan oil and provide fuel, which is expected to facilitate further authorizations for oil exploration and production in Venezuela [4]. - Initial U.S. licenses granted to trading houses Trafigura and Vitol are part of a $2 billion supply agreement between Caracas and Washington, aiding in the recovery of Venezuelan oil exports [3][4]. Group 3: Impact of Blockade - The U.S. oil blockade imposed in December led to significant output cuts as millions of barrels of crude were stranded in the country, but recent developments have allowed PDVSA to boost production and exports [2][5]. - The easing of the blockade has provided much-needed diluents for Venezuela's extra heavy oil, enabling PDVSA to enhance production levels [5].

Core Viewpoint - Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA has significantly increased its oil production by reversing most of the output cuts previously implemented in its oilfields and joint ventures, particularly in the Orinoco Belt region, bringing total production close to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) [1] Company Summary - PDVSA has lifted the majority of its output cuts at its oilfields and joint ventures [1] - The reversal of cuts has led to a substantial boost in the nation's oil production levels [1] - Current production levels are nearing 1 million bpd, indicating a recovery in operational capacity [1] Industry Summary - The increase in production is primarily concentrated in the Orinoco Belt, which is Venezuela's main crude oil region [1] - The actions taken by PDVSA reflect a strategic shift in the management of oil output in response to operational needs [1]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. Gulf Coast oil refiners are facing challenges in absorbing a surge of Venezuelan crude shipments following a $2 billion supply deal between Caracas and Washington, leading to price pressures and unsold volumes [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Demand and Supply Dynamics - Soft U.S. demand poses an early challenge for the U.S. administration's plans to increase Venezuelan oil imports, especially after the capture of President Nicolas Maduro [2]. - Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S. nearly tripled to 284,000 barrels per day (bpd) last month, but refiners are struggling to find buyers due to high prices compared to Canadian heavy grades [5][4]. - Before sanctions in 2019, the U.S. was importing around 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan oil, but exports dropped to zero by mid-2025 [6]. Group 2: Refiners' Capacity and Pricing - Phillips 66 can process approximately 250,000 bpd of Venezuelan crude, but competitive pricing is essential for these grades to replace other heavy oil sources [7]. - Venezuelan heavy oil is currently offered at about $9.50 per barrel below benchmark Brent, while Canadian WCS crude is trading at a discount of about $10.25 per barrel under Brent [4][5]. Group 3: Export and Trading Developments - Chevron increased its Venezuelan oil exports to 220,000 bpd in January from 99,000 bpd in December, but must manage storage or marketing for excess production [8]. - Vitol and Trafigura exported around 12 million barrels (approximately 392,000 bpd) from Venezuelan ports in January, primarily to Caribbean storage terminals, with much of it still unsold [10][11]. - Total Venezuelan oil exports rose to nearly 800,000 bpd last month, up from 498,000 bpd in December, with the U.S. now controlling Venezuela's oil sales following Maduro's capture [11]. Group 4: International Trade Relations - The U.S. has allowed China to purchase Venezuelan oil under conditions that prevent "unfair, undercut" pricing, but China has halted purchases while assessing the situation [12]. - A potential new market for Venezuelan oil could emerge from India, as a recent trade deal may lead to increased imports of Venezuelan oil [13].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. refiners are facing challenges in absorbing a sudden increase in Venezuelan oil imports, leading to price pressures and unsold volumes following a significant supply deal between Caracas and Washington [1]. Group 1: U.S. Refiners' Challenges - U.S. Gulf Coast refiners are struggling to manage a rapid surge in Venezuelan crude shipments, which have increased significantly since a $2 billion supply deal was established [1]. - The demand from U.S. refiners is soft, creating obstacles for the U.S. government's plans to increase Venezuelan oil imports following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro [1]. - Some refiners are reluctant to purchase Venezuelan crude due to high prices compared to competing Canadian heavy grades, despite a slight decline in prices [1]. Group 2: Venezuelan Oil Exports - Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S. nearly tripled in January to 284,000 barrels per day (bpd), up from a much lower figure due to previous sanctions [1]. - Total Venezuelan oil exports rose to almost 800,000 bpd in January, recovering from a low of 498,000 bpd in December [1]. - The U.S. was previously importing around 500,000 bpd of Venezuelan oil before sanctions were imposed in 2019, with exports dropping to zero by mid-2025 [1]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Competition - Trading houses Vitol and Trafigura have been granted U.S. licenses to market Venezuelan oil, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to secure buyers among Gulf Coast refiners [1]. - Chevron has increased its Venezuelan oil exports to 220,000 bpd in January from 99,000 bpd in December, but it must store or market excess production due to limited refining capacity [1]. - The potential for increased Venezuelan oil exports may arise from a trade deal with India, which could lead to Indian companies considering imports of Venezuelan oil [1].