US Oil firms need a strategic tool today (Jan 2026)

23 JAN 2026 - Jean-François Declercq

US Oil firms need a strategic tool today

Can you guess which one ?

The arrest of Maduro by Trump on January 3rd 2026 is interesting to observe from the perspective of U.S oil firms (Chevron, Valero Energy, Phillips 66…).

The question is whether these companies anticipated Trump’s request to exploit oil in Venezuela.

There are two options: either they knew it was coming and even lobbied for it — or they did not expect it and were surprised.

In both cases, this is a textbook example for a PESTELE analysis, a tool used to analyze external opportunities and threats that can impact a business.

PESTELE looks at Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, Legal, and Ethical factors.

Today, these companies likely need to review nearly every PESTELE dimension. 

Is your PESTELE analysis up to date ?