Orinoco Insights
We help clients find opportunities and manage their risks on Venezuelan assets, both onshore and offshore.
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News and insights
Articles on Venezuela’s politics, economy, and energy.
January's PDVSA output at 1 million barrels per day
Venezuela's crude oil production would have surpassed 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in January, according to numbers reported by OPEC—citing the local Ministry of Hydrocarbons.
Richard Grenell visits Maduro in Caracas
CNN first reported that Richard Grenell was due to arrive in Caracas on Friday, to discuss a deal on deportations with Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.
Trump envoy speaks to Maduro officials
On 20 January, Richard Grenell announced on social media that he was speaking to “officials in Venezuela.” He added that “diplomacy is back,” and “talking is a tactic.”
Maduro's inauguration is done. What now?
On 10 January, Venezuela’s incumbent president Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a third term, amidst accusations of electoral fraud.
Taking a close look at Venezuela’s special economic zones
What are the incentives that Venezuelan SEZs have to offer, what are the main challenges, and what are the first projects that the government can present?
Venezuela presents budget for 2025
On Tuesday, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez presented a $22.7 billion national budget for 2025 at the National Assembly.
Venezuela quietly launches mass privatisation programme
Venezuela would be discreetly launching a mass privatisation programme, according to various sources who claim to have information on the matter.
Delcy Rodriguez and Hector Obregon outline PDVSA plan for 2025
On Wednesday, Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez and PDVSA CEO Hector Obregon outlined plans for the sector at the Oil Chamber’s 2024 conference.
Alex Saab proposes import substitution and boosting exports
Minister of Industry Alex Saab said that Venezuela should pursue a policy of import substitution, and also aim to be a leading exporter in the region.
UNDP upgrades 2024 growth for Venezuela to 6.1%
The United Nations Development Programme has upgraded its growth forecast for Venezuela this year, in its Second Quarter report published on 7 October.
Trinidad ConocoPhillips ruling may not affect Venezuela natural gas projects
A court in Trinidad and Tobago approved sending PDVSA payments from the island nation to ConocoPhillips, to cover the $1.33bn claim against the Venezuelan state-owned oil company.
Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro and Delcy Rodriguez meet Repsol, fears that oil output may stagnate
On 23 September, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and Vice President Delcy Rodriguez held a meeting with Repsol executives, with the backdrop of tense relations between Madrid and Caracas.
Maduro reshuffles trade and foreign exchange administrations
On 19 September, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro announced changes in the administrations relating to trade and ports, as he spoke to the Productive Economy Council.
Delcy Rodriguez announces financial reforms
On 29 August Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced reforms to encourage growth in the financial sector.
New measures include reducing reserve requirements, allowing hard currency transactions between Venezuelan banks, and notes issued by the finance ministry.
Venezuela’s CB announces 8.78% growth, contrasting with independent estimates
On 29 August, the Central Bank of Venezuela said that the national economy grew by 8.8% in the second quarter of this year, and 8.4% in the first quarter.
Venezuela oil output continues to grow in June
Venezuela’s crude oil production continued to increase in June, according to the latest OPEC report released on Wednesday. Output has been on a trend of slow yet sustained growth for two years.
US-Venezuela talks bring hope for election
On Wednesday, delegations from the governments of Venezuela and the US met virtually to discuss the election this month, as well as other issues.
UNDP forecasts 4.2% growth for Venezuela
On 28 June, the United Nations Development Programme released its forecast of 4.2% economic growth for Venezuela.
Colombia’s Ecopetrol to import Venezuelan gas from 2025
Speaking at the Andesco business association conference, Ecopetrol CEO Ricardo Roa presented a 10-year plan to ensure a stable natural gas supply for Colombia, which includes imports from Venezuela from 2025.
Venezuela-US oil trade continues to grow
The US Energy Information Administration shows that Venezuelan oil exports have increased this year, reaching 180,000 barrels per day in March. That month, the South American country rose to become the sixth source of crude imports in the US, and seventh for all oil products.