RismadarVoice Reporters
January 6, 2026
The administration of United States President, Donald Trump is planning to hold meetings with executive of major U.S. oil companies this week, to discuss increasing oil production in Venezuela, following the arrest of the country’s leader, Nicolas Maduro.
Sources familiar with the matter say the planned engagements are central to the administration’s effort in encouraging American oil firms return to Venezuela, after nearly two decades of state control over foreign led energy operations.
The talks are expected to focus on the feasibility of boosting crude oil output and exports from the South American nation, which holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves.
Despite President Trump’s recent claims – that discussions had already taken place with all major U.S. oil companies, industry sources indicate that Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron have not yet held formal talks with the administration, regarding operations in Venezuela, either before or after Maduro’s arrest.
Analysts note that while Venezuela’s crude oil is compatible with certain U.S. refineries, achieving a meaningful increase in production would require years of work, billions of dollars in investment. Poor infrastructure, political uncertainty, legal risks and unclear long term policy direction are seen as major obstacles.
Industry experts also point to current global market conditions, including relatively low oil prices as factors that could delay or limit investment decisions. Significant improvements to Venezuela’s oil infrastructure are expected to take substantial time, resources before production levels can recover.
Chevron remains the only major U.S. oil company with ongoing operations in Venezuela, exporting crude to the United States under strict regulatory conditions. Other companies previously active in the country exited, following nationalization of assets, remain involved in unresolved compensation disputes.
The White House maintains that U.S. oil companies are ready to invest heavily in rebuilding Venezuela’s oil infrastructure, although no official details have been released, regarding the upcoming meetings.
