Venezuelan Crude

Business

Valero Energy Caps Record Year with Soaring Q4 Profits, Eyes Policy Shifts and Venezuelan Crude

Valero Energy reported a robust fourth quarter, with net income surging to $1.1 billion, driven by strong refining margins and record operational performance. While renewable diesel faced headwinds, ethanol profits soared. The company outlined disciplined capital plans and highlighted potential tailwinds from policy clarity and increased access to discounted heavy crude.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Chevron Eyes Major Expansion of Venezuelan Oil Imports Following U.S. License Shift

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth signals the energy giant could significantly ramp up processing of Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries, following a pivotal Treasury Department license that eases trade restrictions with Caracas.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Chevron Ramps Up Venezuelan Oil Shipments to U.S., Nearing 300,000 Barrels Per Day

Chevron is significantly increasing crude exports from Venezuela to the United States, capitalizing on a special U.S. license and growing demand from Gulf Coast refineries, while new competitors enter the recently reopened market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Plains All American Doubles Down on Crude with EPIC Pipeline Deal, Sparking Investor Debate

Plains All American Pipeline's strategic pivot—selling its Canadian NGL unit for $3.8 billion to fund the acquisition of the EPIC Crude Oil Pipeline—has sharpened its focus on oil transportation. While a 10% distribution hike signals confidence, analyst downgrades and heightened options volatility ahead of earnings reveal deep divisions over the company's risk-reward profile.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BofA Boosts Chevron Target to $188, Citing Geopolitical Shifts and Venezuela Export Surge

Bank of America raises its price target on Chevron (CVX) to $188, maintaining a Buy rating, as geopolitical tensions and a planned ramp-up of Venezuelan crude exports bolster the energy giant's near-term outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Chevron's Venezuela Gambit: A High-Stakes Bet on Policy Shifts and Heavy Crude

A U.S. license shift paves the way for Chevron to expand its unique position in Venezuela's oil sector, offering potential upside amid significant political and operational risks.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions, Opens Door for American Firms to Revive Crude Sector

The Trump administration has issued a broad license allowing U.S. entities to engage in key oil activities in Venezuela, a major sanctions relief step aimed at jumpstarting the nation's crippled energy industry under its new U.S.-backed leadership.

Jan 30, 2026

US

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Projects Optimism in Washington Amidst Political Turmoil; Immigration Tensions Simmer at Home

In an exclusive 'Face the Nation' interview, Nobel laureate María Corina Machado discusses Venezuela's future after U.S. intervention, while domestic debates over ICE tactics and a partial government shutdown highlight deepening political divisions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Morgan Stanley Boosts HF Sinclair Target to $61, Citing Refining Strength and Strategic Acquisition

Analyst Joe Laetsch raises HF Sinclair's price target, highlighting favorable crude differentials and a recent $38 million acquisition aimed at expanding its lubricants business, as the refiner lands on a list of top low-risk dividend stocks.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Cuba Rejects U.S. Security Threat Label, Calls for Dialogue Amid Energy Stranglehold

Havana denies White House accusations of being a security threat while appealing for constructive talks, as U.S. pressure cuts off vital Venezuelan oil supplies and risks a humanitarian crisis.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Tumble as Geopolitical Tensions Cool, Broader Commodities Rout Weighs

Crude oil benchmarks plunged over 7%, with Brent near $66 and WTI around $62, as President Trump's comments eased fears of a U.S.-Iran conflict and a sell-off in metals markets spilled over. Analysts suggest the drop reflects a rapid unwinding of risk premiums rather than a fundamental change in supply dynamics.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Frees Rights Activist Javier Tarazona in Sweeping Prisoner Release Initiative

Prominent Venezuelan human rights defender Javier Tarazona has been released after over four years in detention on charges widely condemned as politically motivated, as the government announces a new amnesty law and the U.S. re-engages diplomatically.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Oil Prices Slide 3% as U.S.-Iran Tensions Show Signs of Thaw

Crude futures retreated sharply on Monday after weekend comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggested diplomatic engagement with Iran, easing fears of a military confrontation that had recently buoyed markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Oil Surge, Adding Pressure to Bitcoin's Struggles

As crude prices spike on Middle East tensions, fears of reignited inflation and subsequent Fed action cast a shadow over risk assets, with Bitcoin failing to capitalize on its perceived 'safe-haven' narrative.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Retreat as Trump Tempers Iran Threats, Easing Supply Fears

Crude oil futures surrendered early gains to close lower Friday, as de-escalating rhetoric from Washington over Iran and a stronger dollar offset ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply constraints.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela Opens Oil Sector to U.S. Investment After Sanctions Ease and Legal Overhaul

A dual shift in U.S. sanctions and Venezuelan oil law is unlocking the country's vast reserves for American companies, marking a potential turning point after decades of nationalization and economic isolation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corn Futures Slide to End January Amid Strong Dollar, Export Strength Fails to Offset Pressure

Corn futures extended losses on Friday, pressured by a strengthening U.S. dollar and weaker crude oil prices. Despite robust export sales data running ahead of historical pace, front-month contracts fell 5 to 5.5 cents, pushing the national average cash price lower.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Drilling Activity Stalls Amid Mixed Signals for Oil and Gas

The U.S. rig count saw a marginal increase this week, yet remains significantly below last year's levels as crude production dips and completions activity sends conflicting signals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Edge Higher as Middle East Tensions Simmer, Supply Risks Loom

Crude oil and gasoline prices advanced on Friday, supported by persistent geopolitical risks in the Middle East and ongoing supply constraints, though gains were tempered by a stronger dollar and diplomatic signals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Occidental Petroleum's Rocky Road: Analysts Remain Cautious Despite Recent Oil-Price Tailwinds

While rising crude prices have lifted Occidental Petroleum's stock recently, a mixed earnings performance and a predominantly 'Hold' rating from Wall Street signal lingering skepticism about its near-term trajectory.

Jan 30, 2026