日本語
한국어
Polski
Deutsch
Nederlands
Español
Français
Português
Italiano
Svenska
繁體中文
Dansk
// DOSSIER — us-secures-majority-control-venezuelan-oil-reserves
US Secures Majority Control of 65 Billion Barrels of Venezuelan Oil Reserves
REL_TIME: 29 Aug 2026 16:42Z · LANG: EN
President Donald Trump has announced a landmark agreement with Venezuela's interim government to secure majority U.S. control over approximately 65 billion barrels of oil reserves, representing roughly one-fifth to one-third of the nation's total. Negotiated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, the deal involves a partnership with private industry to develop 17 oil fields in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions. While the administration frames the move as an 'America First' victory to lower domestic gas prices and revitalize the Venezuelan economy, the plan faces steep obstacles including dilapidated infrastructure, legal hurdles regarding resource sovereignty, and skepticism from energy analysts.
// Background
Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves but has seen production collapse to approximately 1.25 million barrels per day due to years of underinvestment and sanctions. The political landscape shifted in January 2026 when the U.S. captured former President Nicolas Maduro, leading to the establishment of an interim government under Delcy Rodriguez that is more aligned with Washington's energy interests.
// Key Developments
- The U.S. secures majority control of 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves at no cost to the American taxpayer.
- The deal involves a projected $100 billion in private investment and $209 billion in tax revenue for the Venezuelan government.
- Targeted fields are located in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo regions, involving 17 specific oil fields.
- The agreement follows the January 2026 capture of former President Nicolas Maduro and the installation of Delcy Rodriguez as interim leader.
- Significant infrastructure challenges exist, including equipment theft, neglect, and a lack of access to transportation hubs.
// Timeline
-
Former President Nicolas Maduro is captured; Delcy Rodriguez becomes Acting President of Venezuela.
-
President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announce the U.S. has secured majority control of 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil.
-
Details of the $100 billion investment plan and the specific 17 oil fields in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo are released.
-
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is scheduled to travel to Venezuela to finalize exploration and production rights.
// Perspectives
[Trump Administration]
Views the deal as a strategic victory for U.S. energy independence and a method to lower domestic fuel costs.
[Venezuelan Interim Government]
Supports the deal as a necessary path to economic recovery and modernization following years of mismanagement.
[Energy Industry Analysts]
Express skepticism regarding the feasibility of rapid investment given Venezuela's political uncertainty and crumbling power grid.
[U.S. Democrats]
Critical of the administration's aggressive approach to taking stakes in foreign natural resources.
// Quotes
“At my direction... [we] have secured majority U.S. control of more than 65 billion barrels of proven Oil Reserves in Venezuela, at no cost to the American Taxpayer.”
“These investments will contribute not only to the recovery and modernization of our industry, but also to our country’s economic growth, the energy security of our hemisphere, and greater balance in international markets.”
“It demonstrates how President Trump's bold foreign policy is driving America First wins: securing stable reserves and low-cost oil in our Hemisphere and lowering gas prices here at home.”
