President Donald J. Trump announced that Venezuela’s interim authorities have agreed to transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of high-quality, previously sanctioned crude oil directly to the United States potentially the largest single oil handover from a foreign government in modern history.
In a Truth Social post, the President declared:
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America.
This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States! I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately.
It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
The 30–50 million barrel volume equates to roughly $1.65 billion to $2.75 billion at current market prices for Venezuela’s heavy Merey crude (approximately $55–$56 per barrel as of January 7, 2026).
The oil will be transported via very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and other storage vessels directly to U.S. Gulf Coast terminals.
The announcement comes just days after the January 3 U.S. military operation that resulted in the detention of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, followed by the swearing-in of Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as interim president on January 5.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures fell approximately 1.5–2% in after-hours trading following the news, reflecting the prospect of additional supply entering an already well-stocked global market.
Analysts estimate the transfer represents about 10–17 days of Venezuela’s pre-sanctions daily production capacity, though actual output remains severely constrained.
The Trump administration has framed the deal as a dual benefit: relieving pressure on U.S. energy prices while directing proceeds toward humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Venezuela with the President stating he will personally oversee disbursement.
Interim authorities in Caracas have not yet issued a formal public confirmation of the transfer terms, though Rodríguez has signaled willingness to cooperate on energy matters in exchange for sanctions relief.+See more details
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
