By Micah Jonah
January 10, 2026
Global commodities trading giants Trafigura and Vitol have agreed to help market and move Venezuelan crude oil after a direct request from the United States government, underscoring Washington’s expanding role in managing the crisis hit South American nation’s energy exports.
The two firms will provide logistics and marketing services for Venezuelan oil sales, according to confirmations from company executive. The arrangement follows discussions with US officials aimed at ensuring Venezuelan crude continues to reach international markets under strict oversight.
Trafigura is expected to load its first shipment of Venezuelan oil bound for the United States as early as next week. The company’s chief executive told US President, Donald Trump, during a White House meeting with energy leaders that preparations were already underway, though specific volumes and contract terms were not disclosed.
Both Trafigura and Geneva based Vitol said their involvement complies fully with existing US sanctions. Company representatives confirmed they have secured the necessary licenses to handle Venezuelan oil transactions, which remain tightly regulated due to long standing political, economic restrictions on Caracas.
Vitol executive described the move as part of their experience in navigating complex and politically sensitive energy markets. The firm said it would deploy its global logistics, financing, and operational capabilities to ensure Venezuelan crude oil and refined products flow to buyers at transparent prices.
The decision comes amid heightened US involvement in Venezuela, following recent developments that have reshaped the country’s political landscape. American officials have signaled an intention to oversee Venezuelan oil exports on an open ended basis, a move that has intensified competition among traders, and producers seeking access to the country’s vast reserves.
Industry analysts say the involvement of Trafigura and Vitol reflects Washington’s preference for relying on established international trading houses to manage Venezuelan oil flows, rather than leaving sales entirely in the hands of state oil company PDVSA or smaller intermediaries.
For Venezuela, whose economy remains heavily dependent on oil revenue, the arrangement offers a pathway to sustain exports under close international supervision, while for the United States it provides leverage over one of the world’s largest proven crude reserves during a period of shifting global energy dynamics.
