U.S. Plans to Revitalize Venezuela's Oil Industry Following Maduro's Capture

President Donald Trump announced plans for U.S. oil companies to invest billions in rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated that the intervention aims to "fix the badly broken infrastructure" and "start making money for the country."

Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, estimated at approximately 303 billion barrels, accounting for nearly 17% of global reserves. Despite this, the country's oil production has declined significantly, averaging 963,000 barrels per day in December 2025, down from 1.053 million barrels per day in 2019.

The U.S. intervention follows a series of sanctions imposed on Venezuela's oil sector, including the designation of four companies and four tankers as blocked property for allegedly supporting Maduro's regime. The future of Venezuela's oil industry remains uncertain as the U.S. plans to involve its oil companies in the country's oil production and infrastructure development.