As reported The Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump and his advisers are planning a sweeping initiative aimed at establishing dominant control over Venezuela’s oil industry for years to come. Trump believes the effort will help bring oil prices down to his preferred $50 a barrel. In doing so, the states intend to push Russia and China out of Venezuela.
The head of the US Department of Energy Chris Wright has already reported on the intention to fully control exports from Venezuela. Among other things, it was said that Washington will allow the republic to sell oil only if it meets American national interests. In particular, under the deal, the US will buy only American-made goods with the proceeds from the sale of oil.
Depending on the producer, the price of oil (as of January 7, 2026) is as follows:
– Brent oil has a price of – $59.88 per barrel.
– American oil WTI – 57.86 dollars per barrel.
– Russian Urals – $51.47 per barrel.
But the cost of oil is declining. According to Reuters, the fall continues, in particular, because the U.S. and Venezuela have concluded a cooperation agreement. The agreement provides for the import of Venezuelan crude oil worth up to $2 billion. Venezuelan oil that is now on tankers and in tanks will probably be diverted (it could not be exported because of the U.S. blockade). According to the agreement, Venezuela must transfer 30 to 50 million barrels of sub-sanctioned oil.
