Halliburton Signs Agreements to Resume Venezuela Energy Projects

Halliburton signed non-binding memorandums of understanding with Eneva and WESCA on September 21, 2026, to pursue energy development opportunities in Venezuela. The agreements focus on providing customers with field evaluation and development planning for oil and gas projects. While the company cited nearly nine decades of experience in the region, the current agreements do not commit Halliburton to specific staffing, equipment deployment, or spending.

This reentry into the Venezuelan market follows a significant shift in U.S. policy. After the capture of Nicolás Maduro in a U.S. military operation on January 3, 2026, the Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a general license in February 2026. This license permitted oilfield-service companies to return to Venezuelan fields after previous sanctions had blocked such operations.

Market reaction to the announcement was negative, with Halliburton shares closing down 2.14% at $32.93 on the day the agreements were signed.