Last updated: 2026-01-07 19:53:35 ET
Oil majors, hedge funds, Chinese lenders—all have a stake
The Trump administration intends to control the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products globally following its ouster of Maduro in a surprise raid.
China Says the U.S. Did Venezuela DIRTY Over Oil
Officials say sales were expected to start with 30 million to 50 million barrels of oil and the revenue would be controlled by the US government.
Oil companies will likely need assurances that outlast Trump’s time in White House.
The seized ship, now named Marinera, is just one that Russia has reflagged to join its "dark" fleet.
Companies like Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips say that Venezuela owes them billions of dollars for confiscating their assets two decades ago.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said proceeds will be held in US-controlled accounts that he said are intended to flow back to Venezuela.
Oil companies and their shareholders may benefit from President Trump's military action in Venezuela — but it also could benefit many other U.S. investors.
The U.S. will ease sanctions against Venezuela in exchange for continued shipments of oil.
