GeoPark Limited announced its strategic entry into Venezuela through the acquisition of the Bare Block, a large heavy-oil asset in the Orinoco Belt, under a 25-year Production Participation Contract with state-owned PDVSA, holding a 65% net working interest and funding all capital expenditures. The deal is expected to boost production from roughly 31,000 boepd to 70,000-83,000 boepd by the end of the decade, with cumulative net production of about 400 million barrels and an improved recovery factor from 4%-5% to 8%-9%. This move aligns with the Trump administration's push to open Venezuela's oil industry, which holds the world's largest proven crude reserves at about 17% of the global total. CEO Felipe Bayon highlighted the massive scale and redevelopment potential, while noting the company's capital discipline and regional expertise. However, risks include aging infrastructure, political uncertainty, and regulatory challenges, as Venezuela's output has fallen from over 3 million bpd two decades ago to around 1.25 million bpd, though U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright expects it to reach 2 million bpd by 2030. At the end of Q2 2026, 18 hedge funds held GPRK, with their cumulative stake value decreasing from $62.3 million to just over $50.1 million.
Dalipal Holdings Ltd
Exxon Mobil Corp
GeoPark LtdGeoPark's acquisition and production increase under PDVSA contract boosts PDVSA's output and partnership value.
