Economy

Middle East War Pushes Oil to Highest Level Since 2024

Oil prices rose on Thursday to their highest level in nearly two years, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatened global supply on the sixth day of the Middle East war. AFP The barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for April delivery soared 8.51%, to $81.01, its highest level since July 2024. Brent North Sea for May delivery advanced 4.93%, to $85.41, also at highs since mid-2024. According to analysts at Briefing.com, "the conflict continues to intensify and tanker traffic remains halted, with no clear timetable for a return to normal."

Warning to pension fund members: contribution weeks will not be recognized by decision

A maximum alert has been raised among thousands of Colombian workers who are close to retirement age.

Strait of Hormuz, controlled by Iran, has registered only 40 ship transits since the start of the war

Follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay constantly updated with the latest news coverage stories and analysis directly on Google News.

US Interior Secretary Assured Investment Agreements During Visit to Venezuela

El Diario Venezuela - elDiario.com - US Interior Secretary Assured Investment Agreements During Visit to Venezuela

Banca y Negocios

Among the set of observations made by Fedecámaras to the Organic Law for the Protection of Socioeconomic Rights project, currently pending its second discussion in the National Assembly, the proposal to limit the competence to control prices of essential goods and services to a period of 60 days, extendable for a similar period, stands out. Banks [...]

Farmers report contraband and late payments to the AN: More than 15,000 producers affected

The president of Andean Integration of Venezuelan Agro-producers, Andrés Eloy Ramírez, pointed out that agricultural producers recently submitted a series of petitions to the National Assembly (AN) to resolve a chain of emergencies affecting the sector. In this regard, he noted that they were received by deputies from the Finance and Agriculture commissions of the Parliament and added that Venezuelan producers denounce 'Colombian contraband that is strongly hitting the economy of our farmers'.

Nicaragua readjusts its minimum wage by 4% for 2026

The decision emerged from negotiations in the National Minimum Wage Commission, where the 4% proposal came from the National Workers' Front, aligned with Daniel Ortega's regime.

María Paz Gaviria: How to make culture a driver of economic development?

María Paz Gaviria: How to make culture a driver of economic development?

Twelve startups lead the race to become Latin America's next unicorns

These companies show business models capable of scaling. Photo: iStock

Petro defends Ecopetrol's results and also took shelter in oil prices and their 2025 variation

Portafolio Journalist 03.05.2026 14:53 Updated: 03.05.2026 14:53

Pension savings fund would also be affected by the changes Petro's government is preparing for the pension system

Private pension funds are on alert with this new rule. Photo: Image generated with artificial intelligence.

Venezuela and Oil Giant Shell Sign Oil Agreements to Boost Foreign Investment

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, signed oil agreements with the major international energy company Shell, Venezuelan state television reported on Thursday, without offering specific details about the agreements. The announcement came during the visit to Venezuela of U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who also heads the U.S. National Energy Domain Council. Burgum was seen meeting with Rodríguez and other Venezuelan officials. During the meeting, he praised the interim president's efforts to boost foreign investment in the country's oil and mining sectors. That recognition was also expressed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The agreements are part of a broader strategy that follows a comprehensive reform of the oil sector approved in January, aimed at revitalizing the Venezuelan energy industry.