New York, Jan 15, 2026, 10:47 EST — Regular session
Chevron shares dipped Thursday following a Reuters report that the U.S. is likely to expand the oil giant’s Venezuela license, potentially boosting production and exports. The stock slid 0.8% to $165.94 in morning trading. 1
The license is a U.S. Treasury authorization allowing Chevron to operate in Venezuela despite existing sanctions. Sources said the expanded terms could let Chevron trade crude from state company PDVSA and increase shipments to its own refineries and other buyers. Chevron currently produces about 240,000 barrels per day through joint ventures with PDVSA. Since U.S. forces ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro earlier this month, Chevron’s shares have jumped nearly 9%, the report noted. 2
The timing matters because additional Venezuelan barrels offer Chevron a quick growth boost without ramping up drilling in the U.S. shale patch. It also thrusts the company into the middle of a rapid policy change that might reshape crude supply routes to the U.S. Gulf Coast.
Crude prices headed lower. Brent dropped over 4% to roughly $64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate edged down to about $59. The moves followed President Donald Trump’s comments that killings of protesters in Iran were ceasing, which eased concerns over supply disruptions. Adding pressure, U.S. inventory data revealed a larger-than-expected build. “The immediate risk premium has softened,” said Ole Hansen, analyst at Saxo Bank. 3
The slide in oil prices cooled some of the enthusiasm surrounding Venezuela. Chevron often moves in line with oil price shifts, despite refining and chemicals providing some buffer against volatility.
Jefferies stirred the pot before earnings by boosting its price target on Chevron from $174 to $189, while maintaining a buy rating, TipRanks reported. Analyst Lloyd Byrne highlighted that investors will be watching “developments in Venezuela” closely ahead of the results. 4
Traders now face the challenge of figuring out what a new license would actually permit—and how fast it could translate into barrels ready for sale and shipment. Venezuela’s operations are complex, and regulations can shift abruptly.
The downside scenario is easy to outline. Should the license expansion be postponed, scaled back, or rolled back, the market’s Venezuela premium could vanish as quickly as it appeared. Weaker crude prices would only reduce the margin for error.
Chevron will release its earnings and hold a conference call at 11 a.m. ET on Jan. 30, giving investors a key update. Watch closely for any news on Venezuela and guidance outlook, which could shape sentiment for the week ahead. 5
