Washington, January 9 – A senior White House official has stated that the United States is prepared to allow India to purchase crude oil from Venezuela under a new controlled framework. This framework will remain under American oversight. The development signals that Venezuelan oil may once again reach countries that were major buyers before sanctions, including India. The US is moving forward with plans to reintroduce Venezuelan oil into the global market.
When asked if the US would permit India to buy Venezuelan oil considering its growing energy needs, the official responded affirmatively. In a conversation with a news agency, the official said simply “yes,” adding that the detailed structure of this arrangement is still being finalized, so further information cannot be shared at this time.
The official referenced a statement by US Energy Secretary Christopher Wright in an interview with Fox Business. Wright said that the US is ready to sell Venezuelan oil to almost all countries.
Wright explained that the US will allow Venezuelan oil exports under a special arrangement, where sales will be managed through the US government. The revenue will be held in US-controlled accounts and later transferred to benefit the Venezuelan people, rather than fueling corruption or misuse by the Venezuelan government.
He also noted that buyers from Europe, Asia, and other regions have shown interest in Venezuelan crude. Wright mentioned that several US refineries were originally designed to process Venezuelan oil and that demand remains strong.
The Energy Secretary linked this approach to former President Donald Trump’s policy. He said the US intends to enforce sanctions strictly while reshaping Venezuela’s oil sector. Wright emphasized, “Either Venezuela sells oil in cooperation with the US, or it does not sell at all.” According to him, US control over oil exports and revenues aims to eliminate illegal activities and instability.
Wright highlighted that the US is serious about enforcement, citing recent seizures of sanctioned oil tankers as examples. When asked about potential US military action against ships transporting Venezuelan oil outside the new framework, he responded that only energy commerce deemed legal and appropriate by the US will be permitted.
At an energy conference in New York, Wright revealed plans to sell 30 to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil currently in storage, followed by continuous sales of future production.
He added, “We will restart and sell that crude oil. The United States will also supply diluents and facilitate the import of parts and equipment to stabilize and increase production.” US officials are in talks with companies that previously operated in Venezuela, as well as those interested in returning, to discuss investment conditions.
It is important to note that before US sanctions, India was a major buyer of Venezuelan oil, using the heavy crude in its specialized refineries. Regaining access to this oil could help India diversify its energy imports amid rising demand.
While Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, India is among the fastest-growing energy consumers globally and depends heavily on imports to meet its oil requirements.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
