Venezuela Hydrocarbons Minister Opens Hydrocarbon Value Chain to Private Investment

Venezuela is opening its hydrocarbon value chain to greater private investment as new regulations create opportunities spanning upstream development, field commercialization and petrochemicals, with the government seeking to attract capital across the sector and establish a more efficient, sustainable investment environment.

Speaking at the Venezuela Energy Week Industry Showcase in Houston on August 19, Minister of Hydrocarbons Paula Henao said the regulatory reforms have expanded opportunities for investors from upstream production through commercialization, while petrochemicals represent another significant area for development and production.

“We have just passed a new regulations reform that has given Venezuela opportunities for investment across the entire value chain from upstream to commercialization,” Minister Henao said, adding, “In the petrochemical sector, we have opportunities for development and production.”

The January reform and July implementing regulations have materially expanded private participation, allowing private companies to undertake primary activities through new contractual structures while giving minority partners in mixed enterprises greater operational responsibilities. The framework also introduces international arbitration and stronger economic-equilibrium protections.

Minister Henao said greater privatization would allow Venezuela to promote its fields to more prospective investors and improve commercialization, creating opportunities for companies seeking exposure to the country’s substantial underdeveloped resource base and its broader energy infrastructure requirements.

“With a stronger privatization of the sector, we have the opportunity to commercialize and promote our fields to more interested parties. This gives us a lot of advantages and maximizes our efficiency,” she said.

 Venezuela is targeting a major production recovery from approximately 1.25 million barrels per day (bpd) toward a longer-term 3-million-bpd objective, requiring investment in mature-field rehabilitation, technology, oilfield services and production infrastructure.

Minister Henao stressed that this investment must extend beyond individual fields, with stronger supply chains needed to sustain production and improve project profitability. The government is therefore seeking capital across the broader ecosystem supporting upstream and downstream operations.

The Houston Showcase forms part of Venezuela’s international investment drive ahead of Venezuela Energy Week, organized by Energy Capital&Power, taking place in Caracas from February 22–25, 2027. The event will bring together government leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from across the global energy value chain.

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.