Category: Embargoes and Sanctions

Venezuela’s Natural Gas, Not Oil, Might Be a Big Early Prize

The New York Times – Business:
The South American country has natural gas that could be extracted and exported quickly, but U.S. sanctions, which are now being eased, have stymied development.
Lukoil Gas Station Franchisees Caught in a Fight Between US and Russia

After the United States imposed sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil producers, the ripple effects wreaked havoc on business for local franchisees.
Russia’s Lukoil to Sell Its Foreign Assets to U.S. Investment Firm

The deal with Carlyle comes after the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Lukoil, putting a dent in the Kremlin’s oil revenue.
No Ikea Shelves, No Levis: The Retailers Pulling Out of Russia

Since the invasion of Ukraine began, the increasing financial and reputational risks of doing business in Russia are leading Western brands to halt operations.
No Ikea Shelves, No Levis: The Western Retail Exodus From Russia Is On

Since the invasion of Ukraine began, the increasing financial and reputational risks of doing business in Russia is leading Western brands to halt operations.
Trump Wants U.S. Investment in Venezuela, but Sanctions Still Complicate It

With tight business restrictions still in place, companies may find it challenging to even assess what opportunities exist for them in the South American nation.
What’s Next for Cuba, Now That Its Main Oil Supplier Is Gone?

The Soviet Union was Cuba’s benefactor for decades. Venezuela took up the slack, and Mexico has supplied “humanitarian aid.” But the world is changing rapidly, our columnist says.
U.S. Refiners to Profit as Trump Asserts Control Over Venezuelan Oil

The companies that turn oil into gasoline and diesel are likely to benefit more, right away, than the businesses that pump oil out of the ground.
China’s Threat to Block Rare Earths Has Put Japan on High Alert

Tokyo is concerned at signs that Beijing may be laying the groundwork to restrict access to the metals vital to manufacturing.
How Venezuela’s Oil Could Shake Up the World Supply

The country could, eventually, attract investment and re-emerge as a force in the oil markets, but many analysts are concerned about an oversupply.
Chevron’s Risky Bet to Stay in Venezuela May Now Give It an Advantage

The second-largest U.S. oil company, which kept pumping oil in the country after others left, could find it relatively easy to expand its operations if the political conditions there improve.
China’s Oil Deal With Venezuela Faces Turning Point

Beijing has lent billions to Caracas in recent decades, and the fate of money it is owed is in question after the ouster of Venezuela’s leader.