Post by : Meena Ariff

US President Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will hand over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States following a military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power. The oil, valued at roughly $2 to $2.8 billion at current market prices, will be sold commercially, with Trump stating that he will personally oversee how the proceeds are used.

In a post on social media, Trump said the revenue from the oil sales would be managed under his authority to ensure it benefits both the people of Venezuela and the United States. He described the move as a step toward rebuilding Venezuela’s economy while also supporting American energy interests.

The announcement came shortly after Delcy Rodríguez, formerly Venezuela’s vice-president, was sworn in as the country’s interim president. Meanwhile, Maduro has been transported to the United States, where he is expected to face charges related to drug trafficking and weapons violations.

Trump has repeatedly said that restoring Venezuela as a major oil producer would help stabilize global energy markets and keep fuel prices lower for American consumers. He claimed that the US oil industry would be operational in Venezuela within the next 18 months, predicting large-scale foreign investment once stability is established.

However, energy experts remain cautious. Analysts note that Venezuela’s oil sector has suffered years of neglect, sanctions, and infrastructure decay. They argue that restoring production to previous levels could require tens of billions of dollars in investment and may take up to a decade, even under favorable conditions.

The development has also drawn international criticism. China, which has been the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil in recent years, has condemned the move and expressed opposition to any attempt to give the United States exclusive access to Venezuela’s oil resources. Reports indicate that Washington has pushed for Venezuela to cut economic ties with countries such as China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba in favor of closer cooperation with the US.

Despite the controversy, senior officials and representatives from major US petroleum companies are expected to hold discussions with the Trump administration on potential investments in Venezuela’s energy sector. While the immediate transfer of stored oil could provide short-term gains, experts say any meaningful impact on global oil supply and prices is unlikely in the near future.

They emphasize that energy companies will seek long-term assurances of political stability and clear legal frameworks before committing significant capital, and that any new production would take years to materialize.

Disclaimer: This footage has been taken from public sources and is not intended for any commercial use. If anyone has any concerns or objections, kindly email us at : newsibleasia@gmail.com

0