Venezuela Approves Oil Law Reform to Ease State’s Grip and Lure Private Investors

The reform creates a new framework for private investment to help develop the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Venezuela Approves Oil Law Reform to Ease State’s Grip and Lure Private Investors
The refinery El Palito in Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state, Venezuela on Jan. 22, 2026. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images
Bill Pan
Bill Pan
Reporter
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Venezuela has approved a reform that opens the country’s oil sector to deeper collaboration with private companies, rolling back more than two decades of state dominance that became a hallmark of its socialist project.

On Jan. 29, Venezuela’s National Assembly passed an amendment to the Hydrocarbons Law, the main framework regulating every aspect of the oil industry, from exploration and drilling to refining, transport, and sales.