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Explainer: Fujairah on high alert
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat
Middle East oil vulnerabilities have been exposed
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in US–Israeli strikes marks the most serious escalation in the region in decades and a bigger potential threat to the oil market than the start of the Russia-Ukraine crisis
Touchstone advances Central strategy
Canadian independent’s evolving portfolio in Trinidad and Tobago gives it access to the Atlantic LNG market and a close-up view of developments in neighbouring Venezuela
Upstream looks to deepwater rescue
The deepwater sector must be brave by fast-tracking projects and making progress to seize huge offshore opportunities and not become bogged down by capacity constraints and consolidation
EU sanctions push stalls ahead of fourth anniversary of Russian invasion
As Europe marks the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, EU efforts to tighten sanctions on Moscow have stalled
Kazakhstan lays groundwork for transformation
The country is pushing to increase production and expand key projects despite challenges including OPEC+ discipline and the limitations of its export infrastructure
Letter from Iran: Testing times for Tehran-Beijing crude dynamics
Growing pressure from the Trump administration continues to threaten a resilient China-Iran oil nexus
Nigeria in upstream charm offensive
The country has opened bidding on 50 blocks in a new licensing round but will face competition for attention and will need to address concerns about security and legislation
Letter from Saudi Arabia: Big oil meets big shovel
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
Venezuela upends global heavy crude market
The ripple effects of US refiners switching to Venezuela grades will be felt from Canada to China and everywhere in between
Oilfield workers hold a flag with the PDVSA logo on it
Politics Upstream Venezuela
Paul Hickin,
Editor-in-chief
9 January 2026
Follow @PetroleumEcon
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Venezuela’s true oil potential

The Latin American producer’s crude prospects rely on a multi-pronged approach where even the relatively easy wins will take considerable time, effort and cost

US President Donald Trump’s vision of American oil companies investing billions to revive the Venezuelan oil industry after the capture of its leader Nicolas Maduro could soon become reality. The wheels are already in motion after a US-Venezuela energy deal was announced that would include some sanctions being lifted, Venezuelan crude being sold on the global market and greater transparency over oil sales. But after the fanfare, even the first small steps to revitalise the Latin American country’s decrepit oil sector look more like giant leaps given it will require a stable and encouraging political environment, lucrative fiscal terms, and favourable oil prices once oil volumes are both grow

Also in this section
Explainer: Fujairah on high alert
4 March 2026
With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed following US-Israel strikes and Iran’s retaliatory escalation, Fujairah has become the region’s critical pressure release valve—and is now under serious threat
Middle East oil vulnerabilities have been exposed
3 March 2026
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in US–Israeli strikes marks the most serious escalation in the region in decades and a bigger potential threat to the oil market than the start of the Russia-Ukraine crisis
How Hormuz chokehold threatens LNG buyers
2 March 2026
A potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the escalating US-Iran conflict risks disrupting Qatari LNG exports that underpin global gas markets, exposing Asia and other markets to sharp price spikes, cargo shortages and renewed reliance on dirtier fuels
Letter from Asia: The nuanced India-Russia oil picture
Opinion
2 March 2026
The South Asian consumer’s next move could tighten the Middle East oil market overnight

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