AGP Executive Report

Gas & Power Security: Venezuela is pushing to boost methane supply to reinforce electricity generation, targeting 2 billion cubic feet of gas by December as thermoelectric output becomes a key lever amid ongoing power problems. Offshore Energy Deals: Caracas has advanced the Loran Phase 2 offshore gas push, awarding BP a licence alongside UAE’s XRG and Qatar’s UCC, with the project positioned to feed domestic industry and exports. Regional Integration: Trinidad and Tobago is moving to monetize cross-border gas from the Loran-Manatee system, with Phase 2 expected to send about 7 Tcf of gas for processing and LNG/petrochemical use. Industry & Manufacturing: Delcy Rodríguez toured the Metalblanc metalworking plant in Catia, highlighting locally made doors, frames, and drainage systems as part of support for young entrepreneurs. Oil Output Update: PDVSA says crude production has topped 1.23 million bpd, with refining capacity above 350,000 bpd and fuel supply maintained via 1,600+ service stations. Earthquake Response (Colombia-Venezuela link): Venezuelan rescue teams joined Colombia’s quake search for survivors, with reports of signs of life and continued rebuilding pressure on damaged cities.

Offshore Gas Push: Venezuela signed a Phase 2 license for the Loran offshore gas field, with BP as operator alongside UAE’s XRG and Qatar’s UCC, aiming to accelerate extraction and strengthen domestic industrial supply and future exports. Energy Policy Shift: Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Henao said the National Executive is actively encouraging gas development under the new Hydrocarbons Law framework, with more agreements expected. PDVSA Output Update: PDVSA reported oil production above 1.23 million barrels per day and refining capacity over 350,000 bpd, supported by 1,600+ service stations. Foreign Investment Momentum: BP’s return to Venezuela follows Shell’s earlier Loran Phase 1 move, signaling faster reopening to international capital after Maduro’s removal. Regional Capacity Building: A CRFM workshop in Guyana trained fisheries professionals (including from Venezuela) on data-limited groundfish assessment to support sustainable management.

Gas Sector Opening: Venezuela awarded BP the operatorship of Loran Phase 2, an offshore gas project with 4+ trillion cubic feet of proven resources, alongside equal-stake partners XRG (UAE) and Qatar’s UCC; the deal follows Shell’s Phase 1 licence and signals faster foreign investment as the energy sector reopens. Policy Push: Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Henao said the National Executive is encouraging gas development to diversify the economy, citing the Hydrocarbons Law framework and recent agreements aimed at more licences. PDVSA Output Update: PDVSA reported oil production above 1.23 million barrels per day and refining capacity over 350,000 bpd, alongside contractual reforms to attract investment. Regional Energy Context: Coverage also notes Hormuz shipping remains a key risk factor for global oil flows, while U.S. economic pressure on Iran continues to shape energy markets. Industry Capacity Building: A CRFM workshop in Guyana trained fisheries professionals (including Venezuela participants) on data-limited groundfish assessment for more actionable management.

Energy & Power Conservation: Caracas launched a push for responsible electricity use, urging residents to run A/C at night and cut daytime consumption to ease load on the national grid and protect water supply. PDVSA Business Models: PDVSA chief Héctor Obregón said new Contract for Productive Participation in Hydrocarbons (CPPH) is boosting output, citing Zamora’s jump from 20,000 to over 100,000 barrels. Gas Sector Push (Loran Phase 2): Paula Henao and Delcy Rodríguez backed “historic” agreements with BP, XRG and UCC to advance Phase 2 of the offshore Loran gas field, aiming to strengthen exports and domestic supply. Industry Investment Calendar: Venezuela Energy Week was set for Feb. 22–25, 2027 in Caracas to attract upstream, gas monetization and infrastructure modernization deals. Infrastructure Habitability Inspections: Engineers and architects completed 56,609 structure revisions after the June 24 double earthquake, targeting 60,000+ inspections to enable repair phases. Engineering Recognition: A separate event recognized 560 engineers for rapid habitability assessments using standardized tools. Agriculture & Seeds: MINCYT said Venezuela is moving to a new stage to expand seed production, cut import dependence, and advance genetic improvement via CEBISA. Climate Monitoring: INAMEH held an ENOS technical exchange, warning Venezuela is in a climate emergency and stressing early-warning capacity. Regional Seismic Context: Xinhua reported that despite recent deadly quakes in Venezuela and Colombia, experts see no proof of abnormal seismic escalation across South America.

Power & Water Under El Niño: Venezuela’s interim government is urging deeper electricity and water conservation as El Niño threatens drought, but residents in Valencia and beyond report longer outages (up to 10 hours/day), equipment failures, and worsening daily life. Grid & Infrastructure Response: Officials inspected Caracas’ “Tower of David” (Financial Center of Confinanzas) with engineer Hideki Miyamoto, moving from broad building checks to recovery and detailed analysis for structures flagged in red/yellow. Energy & Oil Supply Watch: A Curaçao asphalt restart plan is still tied to access to Venezuelan crude, keeping the project’s timing uncertain for contractors and industrial activity. Regional Shock Risk for Industry: Colombia’s 7.4 quake is expected to drive insured losses across Latin America, with earthquake coverage take-up a key factor for how much damage turns into market-wide claims. Humanitarian Logistics: Get Simple Box is donating a 20-foot container to support earthquake relief shipments routed via Puerto Rico and Miami. Industry Calendar: Venezuela Energy Week is set for Aug. 19 in Houston, signaling a fresh push to attract upstream investment and partnerships.

Energy Rationing: Venezuela is cutting public sector work hours to “every other day” as electricity demand hits record highs near 15,576–15,726 MW, with officials blaming heat, earthquake damage recovery gaps, and grid strain. Power Projects: Delcy Rodríguez signed addenda with IMSA/CORPOELEC to complete generators in Macagua and Tocoma to strengthen the national electricity system. Agriculture & Livestock: Minister Vladimir Padrino López says Venezuela is moving toward foot-and-mouth disease-free certification and will launch the National Plan for Cattle Herd Characterization on August 24, using registration, georeferencing, and digital traceability. Science & Skills: MINCYT’s Science and Technology Vacation Plan in Lara is training youth in robotics, electronics, plant biotech, and industrial safety, while CNAC resumed free audiovisual workshops to spur new film projects. Transport Services: INTT reduced in-person hours nationwide under the Energy and Water Savings Plan, pushing users to digital procedures. Humanitarian Coordination: Venezuela’s foreign ministry held talks with UN OCHA, UNFPA, and WFP to align recovery and reconstruction support after the June 24 double earthquake. Regional Relief: A Miami-area benefit concert is planned for Venezuela and Colombia earthquake victims, with proceeds aimed at rebuilding homes, schools, and mental health support.

Venezuela Energy & Industry: Orinoco Oil Belt activity is picking up, with reports of large shipments of materials and production equipment moving into operational areas—likely aimed at maintenance and well recovery as the heavy-oil push continues. Electricity & Infrastructure: Venezuela recorded record electricity demand of 15,625 MW and is rolling out energy-saving measures, including special operating hours at transport offices. Transport & Services: INTT cut in-person opening hours nationwide (7:30am–12:00pm) and urged users to use its digital platform. Aviation/Logistics: Aeroturpial reported a precautionary in-flight protocol during Flight 079 from Curaçao; the aircraft landed safely at Josefa Camejo and will undergo technical inspection. Culture & Training: CNAC resumed free film workshops for new audiovisual projects, while the PSUV’s Cabello said his weekly “Con El Mazo Dando” broadcast won’t air this Wednesday. Regional Shock Impact: Experts linked Venezuela’s twin-quake damage to loose soils and construction quality, while Colombia’s 7.4 quake keeps driving urgent rescue and recovery needs across the region.

Agriculture & Food Security: Venezuela’s agriculture minister Vladimir Padrino López met FAO’s Alexis Bonte to push seed systems, animal health and joint actions to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease, while also planning tech transfer, water management and Super Niño mitigation. Power & Grid Reliability: Venezuela logged a record 15,625 MW peak electricity demand in 2026, up 3.6% vs 2025, as MPPEE and Corpoelec monitor the SEN and urge energy-conscious use. Infrastructure & Public Safety: Zulia reopened the Punta Perret Strategic Lighthouse in Castilletes, upgrading lighting, battery systems and security with Navy and regional support to improve navigation and sovereignty. Housing & Urban Rehabilitation: Caracas delivered 30 rehabilitated homes in 23 de Enero under the Venezuela Renace Plan, while Miranda advanced La Limonera urban planning repairs for a tower with 40 apartments. Energy Projects: Authorities inspected the Termozulia Thermoelectric Complex and progress on TZ07, targeting +150 MW for the national system. Cross-Border Energy Deal: NGC agreed to buy a 20% stake in Trinidad’s Manakin Field unit, reinforcing the Manakin-Cocuina gas project spanning Venezuela and T&T. Diplomacy for Services: Venezuela and “Israel” agreed to a consular coordination mechanism after 17 years, building on earthquake recovery cooperation. Regional Shock Watch: Colombia’s 7.4 quake continues to drive emergency response and aid requests, with thousands missing and major damage reported across western cities.

Colombia Quake Response: A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit western Colombia, killing at least 132 and injuring 570-plus, with thousands still missing as rescue teams dig through collapsed hospitals, schools, and homes in Cali, Pereira, Manizales and Chocó. Regional Seismic Link: Colombia’s Geological Service says the quake is not related to Venezuela’s June earthquakes—different tectonic mechanisms, different depths. Venezuela Housing & Power Aftershocks: In parallel, Venezuela reported assessing tens of thousands of homes after June quakes and pushing electricity recovery and grid restoration efforts in Caracas. Energy Market Pressure: Reuters reports Cuba’s fuel shortages are being partially offset by a U.S. exception that is reshaping the island’s energy sector via private-business fuel flows—an industrial supply-chain story with spillover risk for the region. Oil & Investment Signals: A report on LatAm petrostates highlights production gains in Venezuela and neighbors as Hormuz disruptions push demand and logistics toward the Western Hemisphere. Mining/Refining Stress: Sherritt International faces sanctions-driven strain, with an investor consortium floating a recapitalization plan after its Alberta refinery shutdown.

Airport Reconstruction: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez inspected a temporary terminal at Maiquetía International Airport under the Venezuela Renace Plan, aiming to restore passenger screening, migration, customs and baggage services after June’s earthquakes. Electricity & Public Services: In Caraballeda, Governor José Alejandro Terán reported 70% progress in restoring public services, with electricity recovery above 97% after transformer installations, plus normal fuel and improving telecom coverage. Housing Recovery: Crews in La Limonera (Baruta, Miranda) advanced stabilization and reconstruction of recoverable apartments after technical evaluations, coordinating works with residents. Energy Diplomacy: Rodríguez met US Treasury officials to discuss stability in the energy market and reactivation of financial mechanisms tied to Venezuela’s oil sector. Oil Tech Research: Skoltech and partners built a verified model to better forecast enhanced recovery in Venezuela’s extra-heavy oil, where recovery factors can be as low as 4%. Regional Shock Impact: Colombia’s 7.4 earthquake response is ramping up after reports of 111+ deaths and widespread damage, with international rescue coordination underway.

Power Reliability in Crisis: Venezuela’s grid failures are spreading deeper into Caracas, with repeated outages exposing weaknesses across generation, transmission, substations, controls, and distribution; estimates suggest available generation is far below installed capacity, and Corpoelec’s challenge is now system-wide, not just local faults. Energy Investment Push: The African Energy Chamber says it backs Venezuela’s upstream oil and gas strategy and met with Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Henao, and PDVSA leadership to discuss stable rules, workforce development, and gas flaring reduction. Oil & Industry Linkages: Venezuela Energy Week organizers confirmed a Houston Industry Showcase on Aug. 19 to connect U.S. energy firms, engineering services, and investors with Venezuela’s hydrocarbons agenda ahead of the 2027 Caracas event. Tech & Skills for Industry: Maracaibo inaugurated an Educational Robotics Room to expand practical science access, with computers, electronics kits, and robotics training aimed at early engineering vocations. Agriculture Legal Watch: A legal roundup highlights how AI, trade shifts, and regulatory reform are reshaping compliance priorities across Venezuela’s agriculture and ag-tech value chain.

Electricity Recovery: Venezuela’s SEN repair push after the June 24 twin earthquakes is gaining traction: Electric Energy Minister Rolando Alcalá says two transformers at Termocarabobo are back online, and the third is expected soon—adding 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost. Energy Governance: The acting government also moved to cut demand under the Energy Savings Plan, with SAIME adjusting Caracas office hours starting Aug. 10. Agribusiness & Exports: A Venezuelan delegation at the UN/FAO OCOP workshop for special tropical products reported progress in producing fine aroma cacao, including training on climate resilience, soil conservation, and post-harvest traceability. Housing & Reconstruction: Polling in Caracas says 61% back social protection after the quakes and 69% support Plan Venezuela Renace, while authorities temporarily suspended construction-material exports to prioritize rebuilding. Regional Industry Watch: India is reportedly preparing to take operational control of two Venezuelan oil blocks, signaling renewed interest in Venezuela’s upstream assets.

Electricity Recovery & Appointments: Venezuela’s power grid repair push after the June 24 earthquakes is gaining traction, with Electric Energy Minister Rolando Alcalá saying two transformers at Termocarabobo are back online and a third is expected soon—adding 450 MW toward the 600 MW lost—while a 400 kV transmission link outage is still limiting transfers to central and western regions. Power Sector Reshuffle: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez named Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as new president of CORPOELEC and José Luis Betancourt as deputy minister for electrical services, aiming to stabilize the National Electric System amid ongoing outages and the Super Niño “Super Child” climate risk. Infrastructure & Reconstruction: Rodríguez also reiterated progress on a modern temporary terminal at Maiquetía, with plans to restore operations soon and continue rebuilding permanent airport structures for connectivity. Energy Savings & Climate Prep: Minister Yván Gil said IVIC is mapping drought, water stress, and heavy-rain impacts tied to Super Child, linking prevention work to the national energy savings drive. Food Safety Shock (Regional): India’s FSSAI suspended VKC Nuts and Chheda Specialities after findings of live insects, mold, pests, and unsafe storage conditions—another reminder of how supply chains can fail fast.

Electricity Sector Shake-Up: Acting President Delcy Rodríguez named Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as new CORPOELEC head and José Luis Betancourt as deputy minister for electrical services, aiming to stabilize Venezuela’s National Electric System amid ongoing recovery. Airport Recovery: Rodríguez said operations will soon resume at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía, with a modern temporary terminal under the Venezuela Renace Plan after the June earthquakes. Climate Risk Planning: Minister Yván Gil warned Venezuela is preparing for the Super Niño effects—drought and water stress in some areas, heavy rains in others—via IVIC-led prevention work and the Energy Savings Plan. Oil & Sanctions Pressure: The US Treasury froze assets tied to Venezuelan oil projects linked to Harry Sargent, while also issuing an exit license—another sign of tightening pressure on foreign-linked production. Energy Infrastructure Push: Villa Clara inaugurated new solar charging stations, including the country’s first fast and ultra-fast EV chargers powered independently by photovoltaics. Agriculture Output Update: FEDEAGRO reported Venezuela’s white corn production has exceeded one million tons. Regional Context: India is reportedly moving to operate two Venezuelan oil blocks as it diversifies energy supplies amid the Hormuz crisis.

Electricity Sector Shake-Up: President-in-charge Delcy Rodríguez named José Luis Betancourt as Deputy Minister of Electrical Services and Juan Crisóstomo Fernández as new CORPOELEC president, aiming to stabilize the National Electricity System and improve operational efficiency. Earthquake Recovery & Infrastructure: Caracas-La Guaira viaduct expansion joints were repaired after the June earthquakes, restoring safer mobility on the key capital-to-coast corridor. Housing Plan Push: Habitat and Housing Minister Paola Posani outlined a national program to deliver and build 4,000 homes, with documentation regularization and technical studies guiding relocations. Telecom Continuity After Quakes: CONATEL and the broadcasting industry agreed on a support plan for radio operators, including simplified procedures, title renewals, and a “traffic light” damage assessment to keep communities informed. US-Backed Political Talks: Venezuela’s government and an opposition faction began a new US-backed dialogue track in Caracas, setting daily sessions through Aug. 12 to revisit judicial and electoral authorities. Agriculture Signal: FEDEAGRO reported Venezuela’s white corn output has surpassed one million tons, a key production milestone for food supply planning.

Earthquake Reconstruction Watch: Caracas keeps pushing after the June 24 quakes, with Mayor Carmen Meléndez reporting 22,241 building inspections and a color-coded habitability system that prioritizes “red” structures for deeper structural work. Housing Delivery: Minister Paola Posani says a national plan will deliver and build 4,000 homes nationwide, tied to a census and technical studies, while Delcy Rodríguez reports over 2,000 people already benefiting from emergency care and new housing production. Transport Infrastructure: ENVIAL completed repairs to expansion joints on the Caracas–La Guaira viaduct to restore safe mobility after earthquake damage. Telecom Continuity: CONATEL and the broadcasting industry set follow-up technical tables to simplify procedures, review provider files, and assess radio infrastructure damage, including a structured “traffic light” diagnosis for operational recovery. Energy Demand Management: Caracas will shift to special working hours and strict electrical controls to protect the national grid ahead of the Super Niño climate impact. Industry & Finance: Energy Capital & Power (ECP) opened a London entity to expand energy and mining event and investment outreach in Europe. Regional Politics & Trade: Venezuela and a faction of the opposition begin a new US-backed dialogue track aimed at overhauling electoral and judicial authorities through daily sessions.