US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will deliver up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. He linked the transfer to a US military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. Trump valued the oil at roughly $2.8bn. He described it as high-quality and sanctioned crude. He posted the news on social media. He said the oil would sell at market prices. He added that he would control the revenue. He said the proceeds would benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.
Trump said US oil companies would restart operations in Venezuela quickly. He claimed full production would resume within 18 months. He also predicted large foreign investments. Analysts questioned that timeline. They said restoring output could cost tens of billions of dollars. They also warned the process could take up to a decade.
US Seeks Exclusive Control Over Venezuelan Oil
China criticised Trump’s announcement and reported US demands on Venezuela. Beijing accused Washington of seeking exclusive control over Venezuelan oil. China has been Venezuela’s largest oil buyer in recent years. Chinese officials rejected pressure to sever economic ties. A US broadcaster reported that Trump pressured Delcy Rodríguez during negotiations. He allegedly demanded an exclusive US partnership in oil production. He also sought to cut ties with China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that interim authorities would deliver between 30 and 50 million barrels. He said the oil would sell at market prices. He added that he would personally oversee the proceeds. He promised the funds would serve both nations. Rodríguez became interim president one day earlier. US authorities transferred Maduro to the United States. He now faces drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Oil Prices and Global Skepticism
Trump said Venezuelan oil production would help lower global prices. He made the claim in an NBC News interview. He argued that higher supply would benefit US consumers. Representatives from major US oil companies planned meetings with the administration. Analysts questioned the likely impact. They doubted any short-term effect on supply or prices.
Experts said companies need clear signs of political stability. They also warned that new investments take years to deliver output. Trump argued US firms could repair Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. Venezuela holds an estimated 303 billion barrels of oil. That figure represents the world’s largest proven reserve. Production has declined steadily since the early 2000s.
Heavy Crude Poses Challenges
The Trump administration sees major energy potential in Venezuela. Expanding production would be costly for US companies. Venezuelan crude is heavy and difficult to refine. Only Chevron currently operates in the country. Chevron said it prioritises employee safety and full compliance with laws.
ConocoPhillips no longer operates in Venezuela. A spokesman said the company continues to monitor developments. He added that speculation about future investments would be premature. Exxon did not respond to requests for comment. Analysts said uncertainty continues to shape corporate decisions. They noted extensive damage across oil facilities.
China Condemns US Actions
China’s foreign ministry issued strong criticism on Wednesday. Spokeswoman Mao Ning accused the US of military aggression. She said Washington violated international law. She also accused the US of undermining Venezuelan sovereignty. Mao said the actions harmed Venezuelan citizens. She stressed that China’s interests must remain protected. She described China–Venezuela cooperation as lawful and sovereign.
Trump defended Maduro’s removal from Caracas. He claimed Venezuela had seized American oil. Vice-President JD Vance echoed the accusation online. He said Venezuela expropriated US oil assets. He also alleged the country funded criminal networks. The historical record shows a more complex reality.
Nationalisation and Outstanding Compensation
US oil companies operated in Venezuela for decades under licence agreements. Venezuela nationalised its oil industry in 1976. In 2007, President Hugo Chávez expanded state control further. He targeted remaining foreign-owned assets. A World Bank tribunal later ruled on the dispute. It ordered Venezuela to pay $8.7bn to ConocoPhillips. Venezuela has not paid the compensation.
At least one US company still awaits payment. Legal experts say claims of stolen oil oversimplify the issue. They note Venezuela always owned the oil itself. International law recognises national ownership of natural resources. Sovereign states retain control over their reserves.
