Venezuela’s interim government has appointed a new Minister of Hydrocarbons, a critical role in the oil-dependent nation, as it accelerates efforts to revive the sanctioned energy sector under intense U.S. pressure.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced the appointment of petroleum engineer Paula Henao to the post on Wednesday, according to a statement on Telegram. Henao, who brings over two decades of experience with state oil company PDVSA and most recently served as deputy minister for oil, will be tasked with “continuing to boost our country’s energy engine and strengthening the sovereign development of the national oil, gas, and petrochemical industry,” Rodriguez stated.
The appointment follows high-level visits by U.S. energy and interior officials to Caracas to discuss increasing oil and gas production, a top priority for Washington following the removal of former President Nicolas Maduro. Rodriguez assumed the interim presidency in early January after the U.S. military operation that resulted in Maduro’s ouster, and she has since centered her administration’s agenda on revitalizing Venezuela’s crippled oil industry to address a prolonged economic crisis.
This latest leadership change underscores the Rodriguez government’s alignment with U.S. objectives to restore Venezuela’s oil output. Under significant external pressure, including a U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean, Rodriguez’s administration has pushed through legislative reforms to open the hydrocarbons sector to private and foreign investment. Concurrently, the Trump administration has issued sanctions waivers to six major international energy firms, permitting them to resume operations in the country.
Once among the world’s top oil exporters, Venezuela’s production has plummeted due to mismanagement, underinvestment, and stringent U.S. sanctions. PDVSA, the state-owned behemoth, has faced operational collapse, with output falling to historic lows. The appointment of Henao, a career PDVSA technocrat, signals a focus on technical expertise to stabilize and grow the sector while navigating the complex landscape of relaxed sanctions and new investment laws.
The success of these reforms hinges on attracting foreign capital and expertise while renegotiating terms with existing partners. Rodriguez’s government aims to quickly ramp up production to generate vital revenue and alleviate shortages of fuel and basic goods. However, the process remains delicate, requiring a balance between sovereign control and international cooperation.
This cabinet shuffle reflects a broader strategic shift, positioning Venezuela’s oil industry as a central pillar in the country’s economic recovery and its re-engagement with global energy markets. The effectiveness of Henao’s tenure will be measured by tangible increases in output and the pace at which sanctioned relief translates into tangible projects on the ground.
