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Jan 5, 2026 4:00 PM

Michael Burry Bets On A Venezuelan Crude Rebound: From 'Short' To 'Sour'

Renowned investor Michael Burry, celebrated for his “The Big Short” trades, highlighted a strategic play to revitalize Venezuela’s petroleum sector. 

VLO stock is climbing. See the chart and price action here. 

Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and subsequent calls by President Donald Trump for American industrial participation in the country's oil sector, Burry has reaffirmed his multi-year commitment to Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE:VLO), according to CNBC. 

Burry's Refinery Bet

Burry's thesis centers on the specialized technical requirements of Gulf Coast refineries that were engineered to handle the specific chemical profile of South American “heavy” oil, which is dense and high in sulfur. 

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Without the Venezuelan supply, those plants have operated with reduced efficiency for ...