The United States must exercise strict control over Venezuelan oil sales to ensure that the revenues generated are used to promote political and economic change in the country, the US Energy Secretary said.
Speaking in the context of ongoing discussions between Washington and Caracas regarding a partial resumption of Venezuelan crude oil exports to US refineries, the official stated that any opening of the market must be contingent upon a mechanism for monitoring financial flows. According to him, the objective is to prevent oil revenues from strengthening networks deemed corrupt or power structures accused of human rights violations.
This position is part of the broader strategy of the American administration following the fall of the former president. Nicolás Maduro and the establishment of an interim government in Venezuela. Washington seeks to secure access to a portion of the country's significant oil reserves while using this asset as leverage to encourage political, economic, and institutional reforms.
The Energy Secretary stressed that revenues from oil sales could be used to stabilize the Venezuelan economy, support humanitarian programs and prepare a transition to a more transparent system, provided they are managed under international supervision or through mechanisms approved by the United States.
For their part, Venezuelan officials have not confirmed the existence of a formal agreement, but have previously denounced what they call interference in the country's sovereign affairs. China and Russia, traditional partners of Caracas, have also criticized the idea of American control over Venezuelan oil resources.
Oil markets are closely monitoring these discussions, as any significant resumption of Venezuelan exports to the United States could increase global supply and put downward pressure on prices. Analysts believe, however, that implementing such a control mechanism could take time due to legal, political, and logistical hurdles.
Meanwhile, Washington says it wants to proceed cautiously, linking any development in Venezuelan oil exports to concrete progress on the political and security front in the South American country.
