Venezuela to Supply 30–50 Million Barrels of Oil to U.S. Immediately, Sanctions Eased – Trump Administration
The United States will begin receiving Venezuelan crude oil immediately under a new arrangement that will see between 30 million and 50 million barrels shipped to American ports, a senior Trump administration official said on Wednesday. The move comes as Washington selectively eases sanctions to facilitate the export and sale of Venezuelan crude and petroleum products to global markets.
President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of oil that had been blocked in Venezuela under previous U.S. restrictions, marking a significant shift in policy toward the South American nation’s energy sector.
According to the official, sanctions on Venezuela will be selectively loosened to allow the supply and trade of crude and petroleum products, a policy aimed at reactivating Venezuelan exports and integrating them into international markets. Previously, much of Venezuela’s crude was destined for buyers such as China, but the new arrangement will redirect substantial volumes to the United States.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright echoed the administration’s intent to get Venezuelan oil flowing again, saying the U.S. intends to deposit proceeds from sales into U.S.-controlled accounts and create conditions for American oil companies to participate in the country’s oil industry.
The initial shipments are expected to begin immediately and continue indefinitely, indicating a long-term strategic engagement with Venezuela’s crude resources. Analysts note this could reshape trade flows and energy relationships in the region.
The decision represents a notable policy reversal, given years of sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Venezuela’s oil sector. It comes amid broader geopolitical developments involving U.S.-Venezuela relations and has elicited diverse reactions from global markets and foreign governments.
