Paula Henao
Venezuelan Hydrocarbons Minister
Sep 22–28: named 5 times on the Venezuelan TV shows we follow (2 on state TV).
Who is Paula Henao?
As of September 27, 2026, Paula Henao is a Venezuelan petroleum engineer with more than 20 years at PDVSA, appointed Hydrocarbons Minister by interim president Delcy Rodríguez on March 12, 2026. Source
When was Paula Henao appointed Hydrocarbons Minister?
She was appointed on March 12, 2026 by interim president Delcy Rodríguez, who had held the post until then. Source
What positions did Paula Henao hold before becoming minister?
She was Vice Minister of Gas from February 2024 and Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons and a PDVSA board member from September 2024, after more than 20 years in technical roles at the state oil company, including 8 years on heavy and extra-heavy crude projects in the Orinoco Belt. Source
What has Paula Henao said about US sanctions?
As of September 4, 2026, she said partial US sanctions relief "is not enough" and demanded a "complete end" to sanctions so Venezuela can become an "energy powerhouse". Source
What oil deals has Paula Henao promoted?
As of September 4, 2026, she said deals with Chevron, BP and Eni "will reactivate the national economy"; in August she traveled to Houston with PDVSA executive Jovanny Martínez to pitch oil and gas investments to about 600 executives. Source
Did Paula Henao attend the 2026 UN General Assembly?
Yes. She was part of interim president Delcy Rodríguez's delegation in New York during the UN's high-level week, Infobae confirmed on September 23, 2026. Source
What does Paula Henao say about ownership of Venezuelan oil?
As of September 6, 2026, she reaffirmed that "ownership remains indisputably and inalienably Venezuelan's", despite recent deals with foreign oil companies. Source
What is Paula Henao's professional background?
She is a petroleum engineer with more than 20 years of technical experience at PDVSA; as of September 27, 2026, no public source identifies which university she attended or her birth year. Source
Does Paula Henao have social media or a public profile?
As of September 27, 2026, she keeps a low online profile, with no active public accounts on X, Instagram or LinkedIn, according to a Runrun.es review. Source
The story so far
Oldest first- Appointed Vice Minister of Gas (Official Gazette No. 42,866). source
- Promoted to Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons and named to PDVSA's board. source
- Received US Energy Secretary Chris Wright at Maiquetía airport. source
- Presented US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum with technical details of the Hydrocarbons Law reform. source
- Appointed Hydrocarbons Minister by interim president Delcy Rodríguez. source
- Pitched oil and gas investments in Houston to about 600 executives, alongside PDVSA executive Jovanny Martínez. source
- Said deals with Chevron, BP and Eni "will reactivate the national economy" and demanded a full end to US sanctions. source
- Reaffirmed that ownership of Venezuelan oil remains "indisputably and inalienably" Venezuelan's. source
- Was part of Delcy Rodríguez's delegation in New York during the UN General Assembly's high-level week. source