$CVX nearing a deal to align its Venezuelan joint ventures with the country's updated oil policy. Also in talks to expand acreage tied to existing projects there.

Chevron's been one of the few Western majors keeping a foothold in Venezuela through the sanctions era. If they lock in expanded blocks, it signals they're betting on longer-term stability—or at least workable terms—despite the political noise. Worth watching how this plays into their production outlook and whether it shifts the risk/reward for energy majors in sanctioned markets.