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The United States predicts that the sales of Venezuelan oil under its control could exceed 10 billion dollars annually, a figure that marks a decisive turning point in the political reconfiguration of Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, and which could have direct repercussions throughout the region, including Cuba.
The estimate was made by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, who stated in an interview with Fox News that Washington has already sold around 1 billion dollars in Venezuelan crude oil and signed agreements to trade another 5 billion in the coming months, which would raise the annual total above 10 billion. The information was released by the agency EFE.
"We are talking about well over 10 billion dollars a year," declared Wright, who argued that this revenue will help drive the reconstruction of the South American country.
According to the official, this flow of money would be allocated to "restoring a free press" and advancing towards a "representative government," which he described as a political strategy driven by President Donald Trump, without U.S. troops on the ground and without using funds from American taxpayers, EFE reported.
An agreement with Delcy Rodríguez and indefinite control of oil
Wright met last week in Caracas with interim President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump has given a vote of confidence to lead the country during this transition phase.
During the meeting, both parties reportedly consolidated an energy pact described by Washington as "historic," and the secretary made it clear that the United States will maintain control over the sale of Venezuelan crude oil for an "indefinite" period.
This control not only represents enormous economic power but also serves as a direct tool for pressure on Caracas, as oil remains the country's largest source of income.
"Oil Begins to Flow": Trump's New Strategy
Wright's statements come just days after Trump publicly celebrated that “oil is starting to flow” between the two countries, asserting that relations with Venezuela have been “extraordinary” and that the money generated “will greatly help the Venezuelan people.”
The approach has also been accompanied by investment announcements. In a recent visit, Wright confirmed that over 100 million dollars will be invested to modernize oil facilities linked to Chevron and to double production within a timeframe of 12 to 18 months, as part of an accelerated reactivation strategy.
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