Valero Energy Poised to Acquire Venezuelan Crude
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 14 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- 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.
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Analyst Views on VLO
Wall Street analysts forecast VLO stock price to fall
17 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 215.950
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
Current: 215.950
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
About VLO
Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products. The Company sells its products primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Latin America. Its segments include Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The Refining segment includes the operations of its petroleum refineries, the associated activities to market its refined petroleum products, and the logistics assets that support its refining operations. The Renewable Diesel segment represents the operations of Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), and the associated activities to market renewable diesel, renewable naphtha, and neat SAF. The Ethanol segment includes the operations of its ethanol plants and the associated activities to market its ethanol and co-products. It owns 15 petroleum refineries located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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