Ölvorkommen: US-Energieminister: Öl-Deals mit Venezuela sind „historisch“

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Caracas and hailed recent oil agreements with Venezuela as "historical". The US is keen to expand global energy production, particularly across the American continent. "That's our neighborhood," Wright remarked. From Argentina in the south to Canada in the north, energy giants dominate the region.

Wright and acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez attended a ceremony at the Miraflores Palace to sign various energy deals through private companies with Venezuelan partners. American giants Chevron and General Electric, along with Italy's Eni, signed numerous documents with their Venezuelan counterparts. The US secured 65 billion barrels of oil reserves in Venezuela previously through a private entity.

According to US President Donald Trump, the United States will gain majority control over more than 65 billion barrels of oil reserves, representing nearly a fifth of Venezuela's estimated reserves. Chevron has also confirmed plans to expand its operations in the country, investing over seven billion US dollars (around six billion euros) in the next five years.

Production is expected to more than double by 2026, reaching approximately 600,000 barrels per day. A barrel equals about 159 liters. Former President Maduro was arrested in January in a US military operation in Caracas, accused of potential ties to drug trafficking. He faces trial in the US and Vice President Rodríguez assumed government duties after his arrest.

The US government aims to profit from Venezuela's vast oil reserves. Rodríguez described the process as a "rebirth" for the South American country, thanking US President Donald Trump for his efforts to secure agreements "for the mutual benefit" of both nations. Venezuela holds the world's largest oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels, primarily consisting of heavy oil that requires specialized techniques for extraction and refining.