Oil consolidates in the morning Asian session, but could be weighed by prospects of OPEC+ supply increases. https://t.co/pSkcVMzJOx ...

Trump has big plans for Venezuela's oil but are they feasible? https://t.co/P5siocH1HQ ...

Core Viewpoint - Cuba is facing a severe fuel shortage that threatens its tourism industry and daily life, prompting international airlines to warn about the inability to refuel at Cuban airports [1] Group 1: Impact on Airlines and Tourism - Air Canada has suspended flights to Cuba due to the ongoing aviation fuel shortage and will operate empty flights to repatriate approximately 3,000 customers stranded on the island [1] - The fuel scarcity has led to reports of cancelled flights and disruptions to major events, indicating a potential decline in tourism receipts and access to hard currency, which are essential for maintaining basic services [5] Group 2: Political and Economic Context - The fuel crisis has intensified following increased US pressure on Cuba, particularly after a military operation in Venezuela aimed at President Nicolás Maduro, a close ally of Cuba [2] - US President Trump has labeled Cuba's government as a significant threat and has threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, which has deterred potential shipments and exacerbated the fuel shortage [3][4] Group 3: Government Response and International Support - In response to the fuel crisis, the Cuban government is implementing fuel rationing and emergency measures affecting transportation, public services, and parts of the state economy [5] - Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has condemned US actions and expressed willingness to engage in talks with Washington without preconditions [6] - China and Russia have expressed support for Cuba, with China condemning US actions that harm the Cuban people and Russia describing the fuel situation as critical [8][9] Group 4: Humanitarian Concerns - The United Nations has warned that the situation in Cuba could worsen significantly if oil needs are not met, raising concerns over humanitarian and stability risks as shortages affect essential services [11] - The US government has announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, aimed at supporting communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa, which includes food staples and solar lamps [10]

Core Viewpoint - The energy sector has unexpectedly surged in 2026, defying earlier predictions of a downturn due to a global oil glut and declining prices [1][2]. Group 1: Market Performance - As of February 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has increased by 23% year-to-date, outperforming all other S&P sectors and the S&P 500, which is up less than 2% [4]. - Major U.S. oil companies have shown significant returns, with ExxonMobil at 29.3%, Chevron at 21.9%, and ConocoPhillips at 18.8% year-to-date as of February 11, 2026 [4]. Group 2: Drivers of Performance - The rise in energy stocks is theorized to be driven by aggressive U.S. foreign policy, particularly following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, which may allow companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves [5][6]. - The U.S. administration's potential special access to Venezuelan oilfields for major oil companies is a significant factor, as these companies have the infrastructure to process Venezuelan oil [7]. - Increased tensions with Iran, including military positioning by the U.S., could lead to higher global oil prices, further benefiting energy stocks [8]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Some investors are shifting from AI-related stocks back to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment [9].

Core Insights - The U.S. has taken significant steps to control Venezuela's oil sales following the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro, marking a pivotal shift in U.S.-Venezuela relations [3] - The U.S. Energy Secretary announced that Venezuelan oil revenue will now be deposited in a U.S. Treasury account instead of a previously established account in Qatar [2] - Current revenue from Venezuelan oil sales exceeds $1 billion, with short-term agreements in place to sell an additional $5 billion of crude oil in the coming months [4] Group 1: U.S. Involvement in Venezuela's Oil Industry - The highest-level U.S. visit focused on energy policy to Venezuela in nearly three decades occurred recently, indicating a renewed interest in the country's oil sector [1] - The U.S. government has been involved in managing Venezuelan oil sales, with the initial $500 million from oil sales deposited in the Qatar account before being transferred back to Venezuela [4] Group 2: Financial Arrangements and Revenue - The U.S. Energy Secretary confirmed that the new financial arrangement eliminates the use of the Qatar account, streamlining the process for Venezuelan oil revenue [2] - The U.S. has facilitated the sale of Venezuelan oil to its refineries and Europe, indicating a strategic approach to re-establishing Venezuela's oil market presence [4]

Many oil traders are still bearish, but in a market as volatile as it’s been this year their confidence is waning, writes @alexlongley1 https://t.co/RUP0bT40De ...

Core Viewpoint - OPEC+ is considering a resumption of oil output increases starting in April to meet peak summer demand and support prices amid geopolitical tensions [1] Group 1: OPEC+ Strategy - OPEC+ is preparing to increase oil production in response to anticipated high demand during the summer months [1] - The decision is influenced by current price strength, which is being supported by tensions related to U.S.-Iran relations [1]

Core Viewpoint - Oil-company stocks have experienced a significant surge since the beginning of the year, with analysts interpreting this as a positive indicator for the remainder of the year, despite recent market volatility and uncertainties surrounding the economy and geopolitics [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500's energy index has advanced approximately 21% this year, outperforming all other sectors and marking the second strongest start to a year since 1990, only surpassed by 2022 [2]. - Historical data indicates that strong starts for energy stocks often lead to strong finishes; in the last three instances where the sector rose 10% from the start of the year through mid-February, it subsequently gained at least another 15% for the rest of the year [4]. Group 2: Investment Trends - Investors have shown increased interest in energy stocks, with $2.6 billion invested in the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF in January, the highest inflow since 2008 [4]. - The energy sector's performance relative to the S&P 500 has been notable, with seven instances since 2015 where the energy index outperformed the S&P 500 by at least 20.9 percentage points over a 50-day period, leading to continued outperformance in subsequent periods [6]. Group 3: Geopolitical Factors - Oil prices have risen this year due to ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, stricter sanctions on Russian exports, and potential supply disruptions along critical shipping routes [5]. Group 4: Sector Weighting and Recommendations - The energy sector's representation in the S&P 500 is just over 3%, suggesting significant potential for investors to increase their exposure to this sector [7]. - Analysts recommend maintaining or increasing allocations to the energy sector, particularly during geopolitical or oil shocks, as it is often the only sector that rallies under such conditions [7].

THANK YOU. GRACIAS PORCI TIEMPO. WELCOME TO VENEZUELA, CHRISTIAN.THANK YOU. IT'S VERY BEAUTIFUL HERE. WE APPRECIATE IT.THANK YOU FOR HAVING US. YOU MET WITH THE ENERGY SECRETARY TODAY. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST TAKEAWAY FROM THAT CONVERSATION.BUENO PRIMERO UNO MUY PRIMERA EN VENEZUELA. SO FIRST OF ALL WE'RE VERY HAPPY AND TO HAVE HERE THE, THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY. IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT WE HAD A SECRETARY OF ENERGY FROM THE UNITED STATES COME VISIT VENEZUELA CASO CONCRETO JOE PLANTIADO QUESEA UNA ASSOCIACION ...

US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright toured oil fields and Chevron facilities in Venezuela with acting president Delcy Rodríguez -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Bloomberg Markets & Finance: https://tinyurl.com/ysu5b8a9 Visit http://www.bloomberg.com for business news & analysis, up-to-the-minute market data, features, profiles and more. Connect with Bloomberg Television on: X: https://twitter.com/Bloomber ...