The share price of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) surged by 8.13% between December 30, 2025, and January 6, 2026, putting it among the Energy Stocks that Gained the Most This Week.
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) is the world’s premier independent petroleum refiner and a leading producer of low-carbon transportation fuels.
Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) received a boost following the US blitz in Venezuela, which ended with the arrest of its president, Nicolas Maduro. President Trump has said that the United States would take control of the South American nation for now, giving American companies open access to the largest oil reserves in the world. The news is of special significance to US Gulf Coast refiners like Valero, as their refineries are historically designed to process heavier crudes like that coming from Venezuela and have had to replace Venezuelan oil since 2019 with higher imports from Canada or the Arabian Gulf.
As the largest Gulf Coast refiner, Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO) stands to benefit the most if the sanctions on Venezuelan oil are lifted. The company already buys Venezuelan crude from Chevron and can process an incremental 300,000 to 400,000 bpd, according to Barclays analyst Theresa Chen.
While we acknowledge the potential of VLO as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
READ NEXT: 10 Best Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Right Now and 11 Best Performing Energy Stocks in 2025.
Disclosure: None.
