Orinoco Research
@orinocoresearch.com
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September 22, 2025 at 12:27 PM
#Merey16 The price of Merey-16 (a benchmark for Venezuelan oil) has not yet fallen due to renewed sanctions and the threat of secondary tariffs.
The discount to Brent (global benchmark) has been around $10 per barrel for the last month, while it was just $8 yesterday.
The discount to Brent (global benchmark) has been around $10 per barrel for the last month, while it was just $8 yesterday.
April 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
#Merey16 The price of Merey-16 (a benchmark for Venezuelan oil) has not yet fallen due to renewed sanctions and the threat of secondary tariffs.
The discount to Brent (global benchmark) has been around $10 per barrel for the last month, while it was just $8 yesterday.
The discount to Brent (global benchmark) has been around $10 per barrel for the last month, while it was just $8 yesterday.
The US Treasury’s OFAC has given Chevron until 3 April 2025 to wind down operations in Venezuela.
March 4, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The US Treasury’s OFAC has given Chevron until 3 April 2025 to wind down operations in Venezuela.
Venezuela's electoral authority, the CNE, has pushed back regional and legislative elections by one month, to May 25th.
Elections were called with a very short period to prepare, while it is not clear just who will run: which parties and candidates? How will they form alliances?
Elections were called with a very short period to prepare, while it is not clear just who will run: which parties and candidates? How will they form alliances?
February 19, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Venezuela's electoral authority, the CNE, has pushed back regional and legislative elections by one month, to May 25th.
Elections were called with a very short period to prepare, while it is not clear just who will run: which parties and candidates? How will they form alliances?
Elections were called with a very short period to prepare, while it is not clear just who will run: which parties and candidates? How will they form alliances?
Venezuela's crude oil production would have surpassed 1 million barrels per day in January for the first time since 2019.
Figures diverge between primary and secondary sources, however. This usually depends on whether they include imported diluents in the final count.
Figures diverge between primary and secondary sources, however. This usually depends on whether they include imported diluents in the final count.
February 12, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Venezuela's crude oil production would have surpassed 1 million barrels per day in January for the first time since 2019.
Figures diverge between primary and secondary sources, however. This usually depends on whether they include imported diluents in the final count.
Figures diverge between primary and secondary sources, however. This usually depends on whether they include imported diluents in the final count.
The Trump White House has announced that repatriation flights with Venezuela have resumed, with the following picture.
Venezuela’s state owned airline, Conviasa, is in charge of transport. We can also see Richard Grenell in the picture.
Venezuela’s state owned airline, Conviasa, is in charge of transport. We can also see Richard Grenell in the picture.
February 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
The Trump White House has announced that repatriation flights with Venezuela have resumed, with the following picture.
Venezuela’s state owned airline, Conviasa, is in charge of transport. We can also see Richard Grenell in the picture.
Venezuela’s state owned airline, Conviasa, is in charge of transport. We can also see Richard Grenell in the picture.
According to @observafinanzas, an NGO, Venezuela's economic activity would have grown by 3.9% in 2024.
observatoriodefinanzas.com/en-2024-la-a...
observatoriodefinanzas.com/en-2024-la-a...
January 21, 2025 at 10:50 PM
According to @observafinanzas, an NGO, Venezuela's economic activity would have grown by 3.9% in 2024.
observatoriodefinanzas.com/en-2024-la-a...
observatoriodefinanzas.com/en-2024-la-a...
Venezuela’s electoral authority, the CNE, says it has already set the dates for local, state and legislative elections due this year.
This will be a defining moment to see if voters trust the electoral system, and which factions of the opposition decide to participate.
This will be a defining moment to see if voters trust the electoral system, and which factions of the opposition decide to participate.
January 21, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Venezuela’s electoral authority, the CNE, says it has already set the dates for local, state and legislative elections due this year.
This will be a defining moment to see if voters trust the electoral system, and which factions of the opposition decide to participate.
This will be a defining moment to see if voters trust the electoral system, and which factions of the opposition decide to participate.
The latest client report discusses:
- Possible new sanctions on Venezuela.
- How oil production and exports have evolved over 2024 in numbers.
- Chavismo and some opposition parties prepare for elections this year.
- European embassies to downsize.
www.orinocoresearch.com/subscribe
- Possible new sanctions on Venezuela.
- How oil production and exports have evolved over 2024 in numbers.
- Chavismo and some opposition parties prepare for elections this year.
- European embassies to downsize.
www.orinocoresearch.com/subscribe
January 15, 2025 at 8:15 PM
The latest client report discusses:
- Possible new sanctions on Venezuela.
- How oil production and exports have evolved over 2024 in numbers.
- Chavismo and some opposition parties prepare for elections this year.
- European embassies to downsize.
www.orinocoresearch.com/subscribe
- Possible new sanctions on Venezuela.
- How oil production and exports have evolved over 2024 in numbers.
- Chavismo and some opposition parties prepare for elections this year.
- European embassies to downsize.
www.orinocoresearch.com/subscribe
OPEC: Venezuela's crude oil production would have picked up in December after a drop in November, when it was affected by severe fires and explosions.
The Merey-16 discount would be just $12 in December, the smallest since GL 44 expired.
The Merey-16 discount would be just $12 in December, the smallest since GL 44 expired.
January 15, 2025 at 4:31 PM
OPEC: Venezuela's crude oil production would have picked up in December after a drop in November, when it was affected by severe fires and explosions.
The Merey-16 discount would be just $12 in December, the smallest since GL 44 expired.
The Merey-16 discount would be just $12 in December, the smallest since GL 44 expired.
Venezuela's foreign affairs minister demands that France, the Netherlands, and Italy must reduce their diplomatic staff in Caracas to just three. They will also need authorisation to move around the country.
This would be in response to the "hostile conduct" of these states.
This would be in response to the "hostile conduct" of these states.
January 14, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Venezuela's foreign affairs minister demands that France, the Netherlands, and Italy must reduce their diplomatic staff in Caracas to just three. They will also need authorisation to move around the country.
This would be in response to the "hostile conduct" of these states.
This would be in response to the "hostile conduct" of these states.
Maduro appears before the press at the legislative palace, after being sworn in for a third term and giving a long speech.
The ceremony was marked by additional security measures, including it taking place in a different, smaller hall.
The ceremony was marked by additional security measures, including it taking place in a different, smaller hall.
January 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Maduro appears before the press at the legislative palace, after being sworn in for a third term and giving a long speech.
The ceremony was marked by additional security measures, including it taking place in a different, smaller hall.
The ceremony was marked by additional security measures, including it taking place in a different, smaller hall.
María Corina Machado has made a call for supporters to come out to the streets all over Venezuela and the world on January 10th.
It will be a key moment to test the opposition’s strength and willpower, and to see the reaction from the incoming Trump administration.
It will be a key moment to test the opposition’s strength and willpower, and to see the reaction from the incoming Trump administration.
January 3, 2025 at 10:53 PM
María Corina Machado has made a call for supporters to come out to the streets all over Venezuela and the world on January 10th.
It will be a key moment to test the opposition’s strength and willpower, and to see the reaction from the incoming Trump administration.
It will be a key moment to test the opposition’s strength and willpower, and to see the reaction from the incoming Trump administration.
In October, Venezuela became the third largest exporter of oil to the US. Chevron, and to a lesser extent Repsol, sent an average of 295,000 barrels per day (EIA).
While the average price of Merey-16 was $58 in Venezuela, the landed cost in the US averaged $64 in the US.
While the average price of Merey-16 was $58 in Venezuela, the landed cost in the US averaged $64 in the US.
January 2, 2025 at 8:45 PM
In October, Venezuela became the third largest exporter of oil to the US. Chevron, and to a lesser extent Repsol, sent an average of 295,000 barrels per day (EIA).
While the average price of Merey-16 was $58 in Venezuela, the landed cost in the US averaged $64 in the US.
While the average price of Merey-16 was $58 in Venezuela, the landed cost in the US averaged $64 in the US.
Russian gas will no longer flow through Ukraine into Europe.
Sadly, this is a missed opportunity for Venezuela. Although the country has ample natural gas reserves (224 trillion cubic feet) it still does not produce enough to meet internal demand.
Sadly, this is a missed opportunity for Venezuela. Although the country has ample natural gas reserves (224 trillion cubic feet) it still does not produce enough to meet internal demand.
January 2, 2025 at 12:12 PM
Russian gas will no longer flow through Ukraine into Europe.
Sadly, this is a missed opportunity for Venezuela. Although the country has ample natural gas reserves (224 trillion cubic feet) it still does not produce enough to meet internal demand.
Sadly, this is a missed opportunity for Venezuela. Although the country has ample natural gas reserves (224 trillion cubic feet) it still does not produce enough to meet internal demand.
Venezuela's National Assembly is due to approve a plan to issue debt worth USD 5.7 bn (official rate). Part of this could be auctioned off at the Caracas Stock Exchange (BVC).
Remember that the planned 2025 budget is USD 22.7 bn, of which almost half will come from oil.
Remember that the planned 2025 budget is USD 22.7 bn, of which almost half will come from oil.
December 23, 2024 at 5:19 PM
Venezuela's National Assembly is due to approve a plan to issue debt worth USD 5.7 bn (official rate). Part of this could be auctioned off at the Caracas Stock Exchange (BVC).
Remember that the planned 2025 budget is USD 22.7 bn, of which almost half will come from oil.
Remember that the planned 2025 budget is USD 22.7 bn, of which almost half will come from oil.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab says that a further 200 detainees will be freed–from the ~2,400 arrested in protests erupting on July 29th. So we would have 733 releases.
However, rights groups say that only a few have been verified and three prisoners have died in custody this month.
However, rights groups say that only a few have been verified and three prisoners have died in custody this month.
December 20, 2024 at 8:24 PM
Attorney General Tarek William Saab says that a further 200 detainees will be freed–from the ~2,400 arrested in protests erupting on July 29th. So we would have 733 releases.
However, rights groups say that only a few have been verified and three prisoners have died in custody this month.
However, rights groups say that only a few have been verified and three prisoners have died in custody this month.
A November ClearPath Strategies poll says that:
- 63% of Venezuelans believe Edmundo Gonzalez won the election.
- 48% believe he will be inaugurated as president on January 10th.
- Venezuelans see Edmundo and Maria Corina favourably (52-53%).
- Over 3/4 support individual sanctions.
- 63% of Venezuelans believe Edmundo Gonzalez won the election.
- 48% believe he will be inaugurated as president on January 10th.
- Venezuelans see Edmundo and Maria Corina favourably (52-53%).
- Over 3/4 support individual sanctions.
December 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM
A November ClearPath Strategies poll says that:
- 63% of Venezuelans believe Edmundo Gonzalez won the election.
- 48% believe he will be inaugurated as president on January 10th.
- Venezuelans see Edmundo and Maria Corina favourably (52-53%).
- Over 3/4 support individual sanctions.
- 63% of Venezuelans believe Edmundo Gonzalez won the election.
- 48% believe he will be inaugurated as president on January 10th.
- Venezuelans see Edmundo and Maria Corina favourably (52-53%).
- Over 3/4 support individual sanctions.
Venezuela's Ministry of Oil will now be called "Ministry of Hydrocarbons." The rebranding emphasises natural gas and petrochemicals, as the Maduro government aims to give them more weight.
In November, PDVSA said it hoped to export its first gas molecule in 2026.
In November, PDVSA said it hoped to export its first gas molecule in 2026.
December 19, 2024 at 11:46 AM
Venezuela's Ministry of Oil will now be called "Ministry of Hydrocarbons." The rebranding emphasises natural gas and petrochemicals, as the Maduro government aims to give them more weight.
In November, PDVSA said it hoped to export its first gas molecule in 2026.
In November, PDVSA said it hoped to export its first gas molecule in 2026.
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says that 533 detainees have been released, from the over 2,400 arrested in the post-28 July protests.
Rights groups are reporting that three activists have died in custody just this month.
Rights groups are reporting that three activists have died in custody just this month.
December 16, 2024 at 9:41 PM
Venezuela's Attorney General Tarek William Saab says that 533 detainees have been released, from the over 2,400 arrested in the post-28 July protests.
Rights groups are reporting that three activists have died in custody just this month.
Rights groups are reporting that three activists have died in custody just this month.
On Saturday, Maduro hosted the ALBA summit (now 20 years old). It was attended by the member countries' heads of state plus representatives from Honduras and Palestine.
Maduro announced there will be a new "productive Petrocaribe" to support Caribbean nations.
Maduro announced there will be a new "productive Petrocaribe" to support Caribbean nations.
December 15, 2024 at 2:47 PM
On Saturday, Maduro hosted the ALBA summit (now 20 years old). It was attended by the member countries' heads of state plus representatives from Honduras and Palestine.
Maduro announced there will be a new "productive Petrocaribe" to support Caribbean nations.
Maduro announced there will be a new "productive Petrocaribe" to support Caribbean nations.
This month, Alex Saab and Tourism Minister Leticia Gómez have signed various agreements with Venezuelan, Spanish, and Dutch investors. Few details are being made available to the public.
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/vene...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/mini...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/vene...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/mini...
December 13, 2024 at 6:09 PM
This month, Alex Saab and Tourism Minister Leticia Gómez have signed various agreements with Venezuelan, Spanish, and Dutch investors. Few details are being made available to the public.
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/vene...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/mini...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/vene...
industrias.gob.ve/2024/12/mini...
The office of interior minister Diosdado Cabello says that between 10-12 December, there have been 103 releases on top of the 225 granted in November. The government would be reviewing the 2,400 arrests made in the post-28 July protests.
December 12, 2024 at 10:18 PM
The office of interior minister Diosdado Cabello says that between 10-12 December, there have been 103 releases on top of the 225 granted in November. The government would be reviewing the 2,400 arrests made in the post-28 July protests.
Caracas is hosting this year’s World Special Economic Zone Development Forum, launched by the University of Shenzhen. The organisers said that it has been attended by dozens of investors and academics from China.
December 12, 2024 at 9:20 PM
Caracas is hosting this year’s World Special Economic Zone Development Forum, launched by the University of Shenzhen. The organisers said that it has been attended by dozens of investors and academics from China.
Venezuela's crude oil output fell in November, according to the OPEC's latest report, by about 20,000 barrels per day.
This November, severe fires destroyed crucial installations at the Muscar Gas Complex and the Jose Antonio Anzoategui Petrochemical Complex.
This November, severe fires destroyed crucial installations at the Muscar Gas Complex and the Jose Antonio Anzoategui Petrochemical Complex.
December 11, 2024 at 7:14 PM
Venezuela's crude oil output fell in November, according to the OPEC's latest report, by about 20,000 barrels per day.
This November, severe fires destroyed crucial installations at the Muscar Gas Complex and the Jose Antonio Anzoategui Petrochemical Complex.
This November, severe fires destroyed crucial installations at the Muscar Gas Complex and the Jose Antonio Anzoategui Petrochemical Complex.