Washington, February 12, 2026 — Eurotoday — US controlled Venezuelan oil sales are projected to generate nearly $5 billion in the coming months, according to statements made by Energy Secretary Chris Wright during an interview with NBC News. The development signals a major shift in global energy flows and reflects a recalibrated economic relationship between the United States and Venezuela.
The announcement comes at a pivotal moment in 2026, as global oil markets continue to navigate geopolitical tension, production adjustments, and evolving trade alignments. With American oversight shaping the structure of these transactions, US controlled Venezuelan oil sales are emerging as one of the most consequential energy developments of the year.
A Turning Point in Energy Diplomacy
For more than a decade, Venezuela’s oil industry has struggled under political instability, sanctions, and infrastructure decline. Once producing more than two million barrels per day, the country saw output collapse to historic lows due to underinvestment and restricted access to international markets.
The new framework allowing US controlled Venezuelan oil sales reflects a controlled reentry of Venezuelan crude into mainstream global trade. The United States is overseeing transactions to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance while facilitating production growth.
“This is about restoring responsible production and bringing stability to global energy flows,”
Wright said.
That statement captures the balancing act behind the initiative. The United States seeks to strengthen regional supply chains while also maintaining economic oversight. Venezuela, in turn, gains renewed access to critical export revenue.
Revenue Projections and Market Mechanics
Officials estimate that US controlled Venezuelan oil sales could produce approximately $5 billion in revenue within months if output and pricing trends remain stable. The calculation is based on projected export volumes, current global oil prices, and expected incremental production increases from rehabilitated fields.
Heavy Venezuelan crude is particularly valuable to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, many of which were originally engineered to process similar grades. This compatibility provides an operational advantage and reduces logistical friction compared to sourcing alternative heavy crude supplies from more distant producers.
While the revenue forecast remains subject to market fluctuations, analysts believe it is attainable if production ramp-ups continue steadily throughout 2026.
Historical Collapse and Gradual Recovery
Venezuela’s oil wealth once fueled one of Latin America’s strongest economies. The country possesses some of the largest proven oil reserves in the world, largely concentrated in the Orinoco Belt. However, production deteriorated sharply beginning in 2014 amid political disputes, sanctions, and declining maintenance investment.
Refineries, pipelines, and drilling infrastructure suffered from neglect. Skilled labor migrated abroad. Output dropped below half a million barrels per day at its lowest levels.
The introduction of US controlled Venezuelan oil sales represents an effort to reverse that downward spiral through structured, supervised engagement rather than sudden deregulation.
Recovery will not occur overnight. Infrastructure rehabilitation requires capital, technical expertise, and time. Still, energy economists note that even moderate increases in production can generate substantial revenue due to scale and price dynamics.
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