The United States will receive between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude oil, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, in a move that could reshape US energy ties with Venezuela following the recent capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said interim authorities in Venezuela had agreed to transfer the oil, which will be sold at market price and brought directly to US ports “immediately.” He added that the revenue from the sale would be managed under his control and used to benefit both Americans and Venezuelans.
Trump directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to implement the transfer plan without delay. The oil will be taken from storage vessels and shipped to the United States, where it could be refined and sold to US and international buyers.
Analysts said the volume involved — valued at up to $2 billion at current prices — reflects an effort to redirect crude that had been hindered by longstanding US sanctions and production challenges in Venezuela. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves but has struggled with underinvestment and declining output for years.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing political transition in Venezuela, where Vice President Delcy Rodríguez is serving as interim leader following Maduro’s removal. Trump has framed the oil deal within broader efforts to revive Venezuela’s energy sector and attract foreign investment, particularly from US firms.
Experts said it is too early to gauge the impact on global oil markets or US fuel prices in the short term. Many factors, including existing supply levels and market demand, will influence any change. However, increased exports from Venezuela could ease global supply constraints if production rises.
The oil transfer marks a significant development in US-Venezuela relations and underscores the strategic importance of Venezuelan crude. It also follows widespread international reactions to the US military operation that led to Maduro’s arrest, with both supporters and critics debating the implications for geopolitics and energy security.
