Chevron Takes Action as Venezuela Faces Tightening Feedstock Supplies
Chevron's Role in Venezuela: Chevron has stepped in to provide essential feedstock supplies to Venezuela amidst disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, ensuring compliance with U.S. laws while maintaining operational continuity.
Impact of Recent Incidents: A U.S. destroyer's encounter with a Russian vessel has complicated Venezuela's crude-loading activities, highlighting the challenges Chevron faces in navigating regional maritime logistics.
Chevron's Operations and Compliance: Despite pressures, Chevron continues to operate responsibly in Venezuela, having expanded its activities under a limited U.S. license that allows for increased output without transferring revenue to the Venezuelan government.
Investment Opportunities in Energy Sector: Investors may consider top-ranked energy stocks like Drilling Tools International, Par Pacific Holdings, and USA Compression Partners, which are currently rated as strong buys, indicating potential growth in the sector.
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- Acquisition Overview: Bangchak announced its acquisition of a 100% equity stake in Chevron Hong Kong, with the transaction expected to close in mid-2026, significantly enhancing Bangchak's competitiveness in the overseas fuel retail market.
- Brand Continuity: Following the acquisition, Bangchak will continue to operate service stations under the Caltex brand through a licensing agreement with Chevron, ensuring brand continuity and laying the groundwork for future market expansion.
- Business Development Potential: This investment will enable Bangchak to further develop its overseas fuel retail business, expand into a fully integrated marine fuels business, enhance its customer base, and strengthen energy logistics capabilities, thereby creating new long-term growth opportunities.
- Strategic Implications: Through this acquisition, Bangchak not only strengthens its position in the energy market but also leverages Chevron's resources and network to drive sustainable global business growth.
- Oil Price Recovery: As of February 2026, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices have rebounded to $57 per barrel, down $15 from early 2025, indicating renewed investor interest in energy stocks amidst a backdrop of previously declining oil prices.
- Energy Sector Leadership: The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has surged 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase, reflecting a resurgence of investor confidence in the energy sector and suggesting potential future investment opportunities.
- Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy: U.S. military actions in Venezuela have sparked optimistic expectations for major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, which may gain access to the world's largest oil reserves, further driving their stock prices higher.
- Shift in Investor Sentiment: As interest in AI-related stocks wanes, investors are turning to energy stocks as a reliable long-term investment choice, although the market must remain cautious of potential geopolitical risks.
- Energy Stock Surge: As of February 11, 2026, the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF has risen 23% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's less than 2% increase, indicating strong investor confidence in the energy sector.
- Impact of U.S. Policy: Following the U.S. military's detention of Venezuelan President Maduro on January 3, investors believe that major oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil may gain special access to Venezuela's 19.4 billion barrels of oil reserves, potentially driving oil prices higher and enhancing their market positions.
- Escalating Geopolitical Risks: With rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran, particularly the deployment of a carrier group in the region, the market anticipates that any conflict could lead to a temporary spike in global oil prices, further stimulating energy stock performance.
- Shift to Energy Investments: Amidst fatigue in AI-related stocks, some investors are reallocating funds to energy stocks, viewing them as a more reliable long-term investment, although experts caution that restoring Venezuela's oil sector will require years and substantial capital.
- Acquisition Plan: Valero Energy (VLO) is poised to purchase up to 6.5 million barrels of Venezuelan crude in March, potentially becoming the largest foreign refiner of Venezuelan oil since the U.S. captured President Maduro, significantly enhancing its market position.
- Production Increase: If Valero secures 10 or more cargoes, it could achieve a refining capacity of approximately 210,000 barrels per day, potentially surpassing Chevron (CVX) as the top U.S. refiner of Venezuelan crude, further solidifying its industry leadership.
- Chevron's Supply: Chevron is expected to increase its Venezuelan crude exports from 220,000 barrels per day in January to 300,000 barrels per day in March, with Valero set to receive most of this supply, ensuring sustained growth in its refining capacity.
- Refining Capacity Expansion: Following an expansion at its Port Arthur refinery, Valero's total refining capacity for Venezuelan crude has reached approximately 240,000 barrels per day, positioning the company to enhance its competitiveness in the heavy oil market.
- Financial Strain on Universities: Universities are facing increased financial pressure due to rising costs.
- Impact of Federal Funding Cuts: President Donald Trump's initiatives to reduce federal funding are affecting many educational institutions.

Valero's Acquisition: Valero is set to purchase a significant amount of Venezuelan crude oil cargoes from Chevron, according to sources.
Market Impact: This move indicates a potential shift in the oil market dynamics, particularly concerning Venezuelan oil exports.









