BAKU: Venezuela has suspended its oil exports to India and views Russia and China as its main export destinations, the Azeri energy ministry said on Tuesday, citing Venezuela’s oil minister.
The Azeri ministry issued the statement on Tuesday following talks in Baku between Azerbaijan’s energy minister and Venezuelan oil minister and president of state-run oil company PDVSA, Manuel Quevedo.
“At the meeting ... Quevedo said in order to prevent a sharp reduction, various measures are being implemented and diversification of the export market is underway,” the statement said.
“Russia and China are seen as the main destinations because of the suspension of oil exports to India,” the statement said.
The Indian market has been crucial for Venezuela’s economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer for the OPEC country’s crude, behind the United States.
Earlier this year, the United States imposed heavy sanctions on Venezuela’s oil industry and has pressed India to stop buying Venezuelan oil.
OPEC and other oil ministers met in Baku in talks over the weekend that ended on Monday.
Venezuela suspends oil exports to India: Azeri energy ministry
Venezuela suspends oil exports to India: Azeri energy ministry
- The Indian market has been crucial for Venezuela’s economy because it has historically been the second-largest cash-paying customer
Arab Energy Fund takes minority stake in Saudi energy firm APSCO
RIYADH: The Arab Energy Fund has acquired a minority stake in Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Petroleum Supply Co., backing one of the Kingdom’s largest private energy solutions providers as it looks to expand across the Middle East and beyond.
The investment initiates a partnership aimed at pursuing opportunities across the Middle East, North Africa, and select international markets, covering APSCO’s core and adjacent business sectors.
The move underscores TAEF’s commitment to investing in established regional leaders while promoting innovation and sustainable growth across the energy value chain.
According to a press release, the transaction marks The Arab Energy Fund’s first investment of 2026, following an active 2025 during which the fund completed several key deals, including investments in Jafurah Midstream Gas Co. alongside BlackRock and in the platform Tagaddod.
Khalid Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of The Arab Energy Fund, commented on the deal, saying: “APSCO represents a unique platform with strong fundamentals and a proven track record in critical energy segments.”
He added: “This investment aligns with our mandate to support high-quality energy and energy-adjacent businesses that are well-positioned to capture growth across the region and beyond.”
The Arab Energy Fund is a multilateral impact financial institution established in 1974 by 10 Arab oil-exporting countries.
Mohammed Ali Ibrahim Alireza, managing director, APSCO, said: “We welcome The Arab Energy Fund as a strategic partner supporting our next phase of growth.”
He added: “As a pioneer in energy solutions for over 60 years, APSCO remains committed to quality, reliability, and innovation, while continuing to contribute to Vision 2030 by enhancing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.”
The partnership is designed to bolster APSCO’s long-term growth strategy, operational excellence, and geographic expansion, leveraging TAEF’s regional expertise and institutional network.
APSCO is a Saudi energy company with more than 60 years of experience in integrated energy solutions, including aviation fuels, lubricants, and a nationwide automotive retail network.
The company holds long-term partnerships with global energy leaders, including a 60-year relationship with ExxonMobil for lubricant distribution across several Middle Eastern countries. Since 1999, APSCO has also been the exclusive aviation fueling services provider for Saudia.
