Snapshot from Aug 24, 2026 at 07:00 UTC. For live data and tracking: View Live
Business licence award

XRG enters Venezuela Loran gas licence

Analysis based on 18 articles · First reported Aug 13, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Sentiment
30
Attention
4
Articles
18
Market Impact
General
Live prominence charts, article sentiment distribution, and event development timeline available on the Ergen Dashboard

The deal strengthens XRG's and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's global gas portfolio, potentially enhancing their long-term LNG supply positions and market valuation. It also signals renewed international investment in Venezuela's energy sector, which could positively impact sentiment toward the country's oil and gas industry, though sanctions and regulatory hurdles remain.

Oil and Gas Energy

XRG, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's international energy investment company, has been awarded an interest in Venezuela's offshore Loran gas licence, marking its entry into the country. The licence, transferred by Petróleos de Venezuela — PDVSA, contains over 4 trillion cubic feet of proven gas resources and is part of the wider Loran-Loran Manatee accumulation straddling the maritime boundary between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. XRG will hold an equal working interest alongside BP and UCC Oil and Gas, with BP operating the Loran Phase 2 development. The award follows an April 2026 memorandum of understanding between BP and the Venezuelan government and is subject to regulatory approvals and international sanctions compliance. This investment expands XRG's Latin American gas and LNG platform, complementing its positions in Argentina, the US, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Mozambique. The project is expected to advance alongside Shell-operated Loran Manatee and Loran Phase 1, potentially utilizing existing liquefaction infrastructure in Trinidad and Tobago.

87 BP awarded licence Venezuela
77 Shell plc awarded licence Venezuela
72 Donald Trump stated companies would enter Venezuela
70 BP signed memorandum Venezuela
60 BP signed memorandum Venezuela
50 Eni in talks Venezuela
45 Chevron Corporation continues to operate Venezuela
40 ExxonMobil began scouting Venezuela
40 ConocoPhillips began scouting Venezuela
stock
BP operates Loran Phase 2 and holds an equal interest, building on its existing collaboration with Venezuela and strengthening its offshore gas portfolio.
Importance 90.0 Sentiment 60.0
cnt
Venezuela gains international investment in its offshore gas resources, potentially boosting its energy sector and economic prospects, though sanctions remain a constraint.
Importance 85.0 Sentiment 45.0
priv
As XRG's parent, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company benefits from the expanded international gas footprint, reinforcing its position as a major energy investor.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 65.0
loc
The Loran-Loran Manatee accumulation is the core resource being developed, with significant gas reserves and cross-border significance.
Importance 80.0 Sentiment 60.0
subs
Petróleos de Venezuela — PDVSA transfers its interest in the Loran licence, enabling the partnership and potentially benefiting from future development and revenue.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 40.0
priv
UCC joins as an equal partner in the Loran licence, gaining access to significant gas resources and expanding its international presence.
Importance 60.0 Sentiment 55.0
stock
Shell operates the adjacent Loran Manatee field and holds the Loran Phase 1 licence, making it a key partner in the broader development.
Importance 55.0 Sentiment 50.0
cnt
The cross-border Loran-Loran Manatee development could integrate with Trinidad's gas infrastructure, potentially benefiting its LNG industry.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 40.0
loc
Plataforma Deltana is the offshore area where the Loran licence is located, central to the development.
Importance 50.0 Sentiment 50.0
per
As XRG's President of International Gas, Al Aryani is the public spokesperson for the deal, articulating its strategic value.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 50.0
per
As BP's CEO, O'Neill commented on the licence award, highlighting its importance to BP's collaboration with Venezuela.
Importance 35.0 Sentiment 50.0
stock
YPFB is a partner in Argentina LNG, a related XRG project, but is not directly involved in the Loran licence.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 45.0
stock
Eni is a partner in Argentina LNG, a related XRG project, but is not directly involved in the Loran licence.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 45.0
oth
Argentina LNG is a major Latin American project for XRG, complementing its entry into Venezuela.
Importance 25.0 Sentiment 50.0
priv
OVO Energy is part of XRG's existing portfolio in Egypt, mentioned as context for its global gas strategy.
Importance 20.0 Sentiment 45.0
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BP related Venezuela
BP competitors Shell plc BP and Shell are major global energy companies that directly compete across various segments of the oil and gas industry
Venezuela related Shell plc
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