The United States completed its first sale of Venezuelan crude oil under a new government-led policy. This marks a major shift in how it manages Venezuela’s oil resources. A large international energy trading company purchased oil worth about $250 million. The sale is the first step in the U.S. government’s plan to sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil.
The sale came after recent political changes in Venezuela, including the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. took control of the country’s oil exports. Officials moved the oil to storage facilities in the Caribbean, including terminals in Curaçao overseen by Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas. These terminals can handle massive tankers and serve as global distribution hubs. From there, trading companies will resell the oil to customers worldwide.
Political Links Raise Public Questions
U.S. energy officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, said the government sold the oil at much higher prices than Venezuela had received before. Sanctions had forced Venezuela to accept heavy discounts. Officials said this approach secures better value for the oil. They said it also improves transparency.
The first oil sale drew attention because a senior trader in the deal, John Addison, had donated millions of dollars to political groups supporting the U.S. president’s re-election. He also attended a White House meeting with top industry leaders just days before officials finalized the deal. Ben Marshall, the head of the company’s U.S. operations, attended that meeting with him.
Trump halts offshore wind projects while backing $200 million White House ballroom
The trading company said John Addison made the donations in a personal capacity. They said the donations did not influence business decisions. A White House spokesperson, Taylor Rogers, said officials selected the companies for their ability to move large oil shipments quickly and efficiently. Rogers said the selection was not based on political reasons.
Another major global trading company also bought a similar amount of Venezuelan oil as part of the same process. Both firms rank among the world’s largest energy traders and handle complex international oil transactions.
Despite official assurances, critics argue that the overlap between political donations and major government-backed business deals creates the appearance of favoritism. Supporters of the administration counter that speed, experience, and global reach were the primary reasons for selecting these firms.
A Wider Strategy to Control Venezuelan Oil
The oil sale is part of a larger U.S. effort to reshape Venezuela’s energy sector. The U.S. government said it will oversee Venezuela’s oil industry for a long period. It has also imposed a naval embargo to control exports. Officials said this approach aims to stabilize the sector. They said it also ensures oil revenues are managed under international oversight.
Trump presses US oil companies to invest $100 billion in Venezuela after power shift
The strategy follows years of declining production and outdated infrastructure. Venezuela also had limited access to global markets. By controlling exports and managing sales, U.S. authorities aim to bring structure and accountability. The industry has faced long-term disruption.
Officials are encouraging Western oil companies to invest heavily in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure. The infrastructure has suffered years of decline. Experts estimate tens of billions of dollars are needed to restore production, repair facilities, and modernize equipment across the energy sector.
Oil Industry Influence and Ongoing Shipments
Under the current system, the U.S. directs most of the oil to buyers connected to the U.S. market, though trading companies will resell the crude to customers worldwide. Officials have not yet clarified whether they will place limits on where the oil can ultimately be shipped.
The oil industry remains a major political donor in the United States, with energy companies and executives spending large sums on lobbying and campaign contributions. Some U.S. oil companies with existing operations in Venezuela are now seeking expanded licenses to produce and export more oil under the new framework.
Russian-flagged tanker carrying Venezuelan oil seized by U.S. after refusal to allow boarding
Officials expect additional shipments of Venezuelan oil in the coming weeks as the new system becomes fully operational. The first cargoes have already reached Caribbean storage hubs, where operators will distribute them to refineries and buyers across different regions.
The combination of large financial deals, political connections, and shifting international energy control has made the first U.S. sale of Venezuelan oil a closely watched development, both domestically and globally.
