Rohölproduktion: USA wollen sich für Öl-Zugriff an venezolanischem Unternehmen beteiligen
Die US-Regierung plant laut Medienbericht eine 35-Prozent-Beteiligung an einem venezolanischen Ölunternehmen. Zugleich soll der Zugriff auf Teile der Produktion gesichert werden.
Caracas, Venezuela has signed an energy agreement with the United States that will last for 25 years and aims to increase crude oil production from this project to 1.5 million barrels per day. Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez called the agreement "historic" in a televised address. The bilateral project involves developing 17 strategic oil fields.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the deal entails the United States planning to acquire a 35% stake in the private Venezuelan company North American Blue Energy Partners owned by businessman Alejandro Betancourt. Additionally, the US intends to secure preferential rights to purchase 20% of the company's production at cost price.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the US aims to take partial control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves to stimulate the country's struggling energy sector and provide a new oil source to lower US fuel prices. Rodriguez, however, emphasized that the nation retains "the ownership and sovereignty" over its natural resources, yet intends to leverage US capital, technology, and operational expertise to rehabilitate the sanctioned strategic industry.
Under the agreement, Venezuela could generate approximately $209 billion in revenue if an oil price of $65 per barrel is agreed upon. Around 19 dollars of each produced and sold barrel are to directly benefit Venezuela. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves but has only been producing about 1.25 million barrels per day after years of mismanagement and sanctions.
The Pentagon's Pentagon spokesman remained cautious, stating that the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) does not acquire equity stakes in private companies and that its role is limited to lending and guaranteeing loans or providing technical assistance. In the coming week, contracts are expected to be signed that will grant several companies, including Chevron, new production rights.
In Caracas' capital, dozens of pro-government groups gathered on Saturday to protest the US presence in Venezuela.
Written by urgent.news from Handelsblatt's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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