Overview
- Delcy Rodríguez said $1.4 billion in 2026 oil projects have been signed, a planned 55% increase from roughly $900 million last year.
- The hydrocarbons bill passed a first reading and is expected to be finalized soon, allowing Venezuela‑domiciled private companies to operate under contracts.
- PDVSA chief Héctor Obregón set a goal to lift output by at least 18% in 2026 from about 1.2 million barrels per day currently.
- Rodríguez called for talks with opposition factions and urged concrete, immediate agreements through a Venezuelan‑led process.
- She publicly told the U.S. to stop issuing “orders,” while prisoner releases continue with conflicting counts between the government and NGO Foro Penal; the White House has signaled an invitation for a visit.