politics
enero 30, 2026
Entre críticas y modificaciones: Asamblea Nacional aprueba reforma a la Ley de Hidrocarburos
La reforma tiene 18 artículos, y entre sus cambios, prevé que las actividades primarias no solo puedan ser realizadas exclusiva o mayoritariamente por el Estado, sino también por "empresas privadas domiciliadas" en el país, "en el marco de contratos suscritos con empresas de exclusiva propiedad de la República o sus filiales"
TL;DR
- The National Assembly approved a partial reform of the Hydrocarbons Law, easing restrictions on private sector participation in the oil industry.
- The reform allows private companies to engage in primary activities under specific contract conditions with state-owned entities.
- It introduces the possibility of recognizing international arbitration for investment disputes and a more direct royalty payment system.
- Investors will now assume operational costs and financing risks.
- The changes aim to increase oil production and attract foreign investment, following an agreement between the US and Venezuela for crude supply.
- Critics argue the reform lacks clarity, is insufficient to attract major investors, and does not fundamentally alter the existing philosophy of the oil industry's management.
- Concerns about trust among foreign companies persist due to past government policies.