Martinez named as Venezuela’s minister of petroleum

Nelson Martinez has been named Venezuela’s minister of petroleum, according to Petroleos de Venezuela SA. He succeeds Eulogio Del Pino, who was named petroleum minister in 2015 in addition to serving as president of PDVSA. Del Pino has been president since 2014 and retains that role. Source: News


MARKET WATCH: NYMEX, Brent oil prices plunge more than $2/bbl

The light, sweet crude oil contract for February delivery fell more than $2/bbl on the New York market Jan. 9 as did the Brent crude oil contract price for March delivery on the London market. It was the largest daily loss for the US and Brent benchmarks in about 3 weeks. Source: News


Douglass joins Baker Botts’ London office as partner

James Douglass, who specializes in the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, has joined Baker Botts LLP’s London office as a partner. Source: News