Venezuela–U.S. Oil Deal: Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright signed a package covering 17 Venezuelan oil fields tied to 65 billion barrels in proven reserves, with North American Blue Energy Partners receiving 100-year concessions and U.S. governance rights that critics call a “resource grab.” Chevron Expansion: Chevron confirmed a $7bn plan to expand in the Orinoco Belt, aiming to more than double output over five years, while PDVSA says joint ventures could rise from 250,000 to 420,000 bpd in the first phase. ENI Gas Push: ENI signed on for five new hydrocarbon projects, including the Junín 5 field, as Venezuela also links growth to electricity generation and legal reforms. Gas-Price Reality Check: U.S. officials argue fuel relief could take 12–24 months, with heavy-crude refining bottlenecks slowing any near-term impact. Geothermal in Colombia: Dewhurst Group secured Colombia’s geothermal exploration permit for the Cóndor Paipa project, positioning it for baseload power and energy diversification. Caribbean Connectivity: Trinidad and Tobago’s high-frequency “airbridge” between Trinidad and Tobago carried 75,149 passengers in August, underscoring how energy-linked travel corridors keep moving. Market Backdrop: Oil and LNG flows remain sensitive to Strait of Hormuz disruptions, even as U.S. LNG exports rose 23% in H1 2026.