Latin America pivots to digital
The pandemic has showcased the importance of reaching digital maturity, and state oil companies are taking notice
NOCs have some clear advantages when introducing sweeping change, particularly when it comes to digitalisation. Their sheer size and regional significance—not to mention heftier budgets—mean innovative new ideas and technologies can be tested and, if unsuccessful, fail fast. Over the past year, reliance on digital technologies has never been higher. Virtual working has fast-tracked some of these processes and resulted in many operators increasing digitalisation budgets. In Latin America, NOCs were eyeing technology change even before the pandemic emerged, but several have accelerated their commitments. Brazilian state oil company Petrobras quickly recognised the shifting sands, budgeting $1.
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






