Continental Resources signed a memorandum of understanding with Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) on September 16 to operate and develop the Ayacucho 2 Block in Venezuela’s Orinoco Belt, marking the Oklahoma independent’s first move into the country and adding another U.S. operator to a rapidly expanding slate of post-sanctions oil deals.

The MOU is not a final development contract. Continental and PDVSA said they intend to convert it into a long-term Contrato de Participación Productiva (CPP) in the coming weeks. Once that agreement is signed, Continental would operate the block with a 100% working interest. The announcement was made in Houston during the G20 energy ministers […]

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The White House’s August 31, 2026 fact sheet details a landmark oil agreement that grants North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) 100-year concessions on 17 Venezuelan fields holding roughly 65 billion barrels of proven reserves.

The U.S. government receives a 35% equity stake in NABEP’s corporate parent via the Department of War’s Office of Strategic Capital, a guaranteed right to buy 20% of offtake at production cost, and a right of first refusal on the remaining 80%. U.S. governance rights include veto power over board appointments, a requirement that a […]

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Global Supply Shock Reignites Oil Exploration Boom Global Supply Shock Reignites Oil Exploration Boom

The world is facing its most severe oil and gas supply crunch in history, triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict and prolonged disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz—the chokepoint carrying roughly 20% of global oil. What began in late February as a short-term geopolitical flashpoint has evolved into a structural crisis, with […]

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Investors Look for Options as the 21% Lift in Oil Stocks Signals a Potential Bull Run

The energy sector has been buzzing with optimism lately, as oil stocks have surged by approximately 21% over recent months amid stabilizing crude prices, geopolitical tensions, and renewed demand forecasts. This rally, driven by factors like OPEC+ production adjustments and global economic recovery signals, has investors eyeing opportunities in both public and private oil and […]

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Post Maduro Capture, Venezuela Is Not the Only Reason to Own Oil Field Services Stocks

The recent capture of Nicolás Maduro has sparked renewed optimism in the global energy sector, particularly for oilfield services (OFS) companies eyeing Venezuela\’s vast untapped reserves. With the potential lifting of U.S. sanctions and a revival of operations in the Orinoco Belt, firms with expertise in heavy oil extraction and infrastructure could see a surge […]

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Banks Predict $50 Oil on Ukraine Peace — But Can We Believe Them?

Daily Standup Top Stories Citi Says Russia-Ukraine De-escalation Could Impact Oil to $50, and Oil’s Surplus Is Here—But What’s the Real Story? October 19, 2025 Clark Savage In the volatile world of energy markets, headlines from major financial institutions like Citigroup often grab attention. Recently, Citi analysts suggested that a potential de-escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict […]

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SLB Reports Q3 Earnings Higher Than Expected

SLB (NYSE: SLB), the global leader in oilfield services, reported third-quarter 2025 earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, driven by resilient international performance, growth in its Digital segment, and contributions from the recently acquired ChampionX business. The company announced revenue of $8.93 billion for the quarter ending September 30, 2025, marking a 4% sequential increase from […]

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