Politics USA relaxes sanctions against Venezuela
The USA is lifting some of its sanctions against Venezuela. This is intended to allow the transportation and sale of Venezuelan oil on the world market, as announced by the US Department of Energy.
07.01.2026, 18:15
SDA
It was not clear exactly which sanctions are to be eased and when. For example, certain tankers transporting oil are currently subject to US sanctions.
Following the capture of Venezuelan head of state Nicolás Maduro, the USA is increasingly focusing on oil reserves. Energy Minister Chris Wright said that the USA would take control of their sale "indefinitely".
US President Donald Trump had already announced on Tuesday that Venezuela would deliver between 30 and 50 million barrels (159 liters each) of sanctioned oil to the US. He himself would control the revenue from the sale of the oil - "for the good of the Venezuelan people and the United States".
The oil business is the most important source of income and foreign currency for Venezuela's government. Most recently, China was the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil.
