Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump has moved to exert control over Venezuela’s oil sector, signaling a dramatic shift in global energy geopolitics. The Trump administration says it will market Venezuelan crude and manage its sales, aiming to revive the country’s long-troubled oil industry with involvement from American oil firms.
Under the new arrangements, Venezuela is expected to deliver up to 30–50 million barrels of oil to the United States, with proceeds directed through U.S.-controlled channels and potentially benefiting both Venezuelans and Americans. The U.S. Energy Secretary has indicated that Washington intends to control the sales “indefinitely,” though rebuilding Venezuela’s dilapidated infrastructure will require substantial investment and time.
Venezuela holds some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, but years of sanctions, mismanagement, and underinvestment have reduced production to a fraction of its potential. Analysts say that while the short-term impact on global oil prices may be limited, long-term changes in production and supply dynamics could emerge if output increases.
This development not only reshapes U.S.–Venezuela relations but also carries implications for global energy markets, including potential shifts in supply sources and investment opportunities for energy-importing nations.
