Market Chatter: Exxon Mobil Close to Preliminary Venezuela Oil Investment Deal

05:39 PM EDT, 09/16/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Exxon Mobil (XOM) is nearing a preliminary deal to explore investments in multiple Venezuelan oil fields, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company may sign a memorandum of understanding with state-run Petroleos de Venezuela as soon as this month on developed and undeveloped fields, the report said. Discussions still may fall apart or extend past September, the report said. Exxon Mobil did not immediately respond to a request for comment by MT Newswires. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)