President Trump Announces Securing 30–50 Million Barrels Of Venezuelan Oil For US
President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela’s interim authorities have agreed to transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of high-quality, previously sanctioned crude oil directly to the United States, marking one of the largest single oil handovers from a foreign government in modern history.
In a Truth Social post, the President said the oil will be sold at its market price, adding he would control the money raised and use it to benefit the people of Venezuela and the US.
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America. This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!’’
‘’I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
His comments come after he said the US oil industry would be “up and running” in Venezuela within 18 months and that he expected huge investments to pour into the country.
The 30–50 million barrel volume equates to roughly $1.65 billion to $2.75 billion at current market prices for Venezuela’s heavy Merey crude.
The oil will be transported via very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and other storage vessels directly to U.S. Gulf Coast terminals.
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The announcement comes just days after the January 3 U.S. military operation that resulted in the detention of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, followed by the swearing-in of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president on January 5.
Meanwhile, interim authorities in Caracas have not yet issued a formal public confirmation of the transfer terms, though Rodríguez has signaled willingness to cooperate on energy matters in exchange for sanctions relief.
