Venezuelans continue to struggle with some of the world's highest inflation rates, with food prices remaining far out of reach for many workers and pensioners in Caracas, even after the January 2026 ouster of longtime authoritarian leader Nicolás Maduro. While acting President Delcy Rodríguez has introduced oil sector reforms under U.S. pressure — including easing sanctions and ending the state oil monopoly — economists warn the changes have yet to translate into meaningful relief for ordinary citizens, with roughly 75% of the population still living in poverty. Public optimism has risen sharply, with 71% of Venezuelans expecting conditions to improve, but structural barriers such as power outages, labour shortages, and a near-worthless pension system — paying as little as $0.28 per month — mean any real economic recovery is likely still years away.