Venezuela’s state run oil company PDVSA reported that it was affected by a PDVSA cyber attack on Monday, stating that core oil production activities remained stable. The company said it had recovered key functions, though several sources familiar with operations indicated that some digital systems were still unavailable, leading to delays in oil cargo deliveries.
According to PDVSA, the incident targeted internal systems used for administrative and shipping coordination. While oil output, refining, and domestic fuel distribution continued without interruption, export logistics faced temporary setbacks. Workers were instructed to rely on manual processes, including written records, as certain platforms remained offline.
The company did not release technical details about the nature of the cyber event, the systems involved, or the methods used. PDVSA maintained that production levels were steady and that safety critical operations were not affected.
Impact on Digital Operations and Shipping
Sources said the disruption was most visible in PDVSA’s export and cargo management systems. Oil cargo deliveries were suspended as a precaution while teams assessed system integrity following the PDVSA cyber attack. Several vessels scheduled to load crude were reportedly delayed or altered their routes due to the lack of digital clearance and documentation.
Administrative systems also experienced interruptions. Employees across departments were asked to disconnect from company networks and limit system access. Indirect workers and contractors faced additional access restrictions at PDVSA facilities while internal reviews continued.
Despite these challenges, sources noted that upstream and downstream operations remained functional. Oil production, refining output, and domestic supply chains continued at normal levels. The disruption was largely contained to coordination systems that support exports and international shipping.
Shipping data showed that multiple tankers adjusted their movements during the period of uncertainty. Some vessels remained in Venezuelan waters awaiting instructions, while others changed course. Industry observers said such responses are common when port documentation and scheduling platforms are unavailable.
Oil Cargoes and Vessel Movements
The system disruptions coincided with heightened caution across PDVSA’s shipping network. More than 11 million barrels of oil were reported to be on board vessels waiting in nearby waters. Several large crude carriers that were expected to load cargoes in the coming weeks reportedly turned back, according to vessel monitoring services.
One tanker transporting refined products toward Venezuela also changed direction and did not complete its planned discharge. At the same time, a limited number of vessels linked to existing supply arrangements continued to depart, based on available shipping data.
Energy analysts said digital systems play a central role in modern oil logistics. Scheduling, cargo certification, customs documentation, and port clearances all depend on secure and reliable platforms. Even short outages can create ripple effects across shipping timelines and export volumes.
Cybersecurity Challenges in Energy Infrastructure
The incident highlights ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by energy companies worldwide. Oil and gas operators rely heavily on interconnected systems that manage everything from production data to vessel coordination. Disruptions such as the PDVSA cyber attack can slow operations even when physical infrastructure remains intact.
In recent years, energy firms have increased investment in cybersecurity controls, network segmentation, and incident response planning. Experts note that administrative and logistics systems are often targeted because they connect internal operations with external partners such as ports, shippers, and traders.
PDVSA said it had restored access to affected systems and continued monitoring for irregular activity following the PDVSA cyber attack. The company did not indicate whether external cybersecurity specialists were involved or whether further system upgrades were planned.
Production and Export Levels
Official figures show Venezuela’s crude output averaged about 1.17 million barrels per day last month. Oil exports rose to roughly 952,000 barrels per day, based on shipping data. While the PDVSA cyber attack did not affect production, delays in cargo movements could influence short term export flows if system access is not fully stabilized.
For now, PDVSA continues to operate core energy assets while addressing digital recovery efforts. Industry observers said the situation underscores the importance of resilient cyber systems in maintaining continuity across global energy supply chains.
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