US Venezuela Oil Control 2026: Washington's Leverage Strategy Revealed

Washington is letting the oil flow, but it's keeping its hand firmly on the faucet. The United States intends to exert indefinite control over Venezuela's oil sales and revenue to stabilize the nation's economy and rebuild its crumbling energy sector, according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

US Venezuela Oil Control 2026: Driving Change and Debt Recovery

Speaking at the Goldman Sachs Energy Conference in Miami on January 7, 2026, Wright emphasized that U.S. control is essential for driving mandatory political and economic shifts. This strategy follows the ousting of Nicolas Maduro just days ago. The revenues, currently deposited in accounts controlled by the U.S. government, will eventually recompense Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips for assets nationalized nearly two decades ago.

Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, yet mismanagement has left it producing only 1.1 million barrels per day (bpd) as of last year, down from a peak of 3.5 million bpd in the 1970s. The Trump administration's approach involves marketing stored oil first before scaling up future production with the help of U.S. technology.

Energy Giants and Market Impact

The market has already responded to the shifting landscape. Shares of refiners like Marathon Petroleum and Valero Energy climbed between 2.5% and 5% following news of a $2 billion export deal. President Donald Trump is set to meet with the CEOs of Exxon, Conoco, and Chevron at the White House this Friday to discuss the long-term rehabilitation of Venezuela's oil fields.