US Tightens Control Over Venezuelan Oil Exports Under Sanctions

The United States (US) is expanding its control over Venezuelan oil exports, enforcing sanctions, maintaining a naval presence in the Caribbean, and supervising sales, according to senior administration officials.

The move has sparked sharp debate in Congress over legality, objectives, and potential global repercussions.

Following a closed-door briefing with lawmakers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela cannot export oil without US approval, describing Washington’s leverage over the country’s energy sector as central to stabilisation after the removal of President Nicolás Maduro.

“We have an oil embargo on Venezuela. For them to do any kind of commerce, they need our permission,” Rubio told reporters.

The administration is enforcing this embargo via selective US-supervised oil movements and a continued naval presence, aiming to prevent corruption, block sanctions evasion, and ensure revenue does not reach criminal networks.

President Donald Trump had earlier announced on social media that Venezuela’s interim authorities would transfer 30-50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States.

The Energy Department said the US will sell these barrels at market rates and route the proceeds through accounts it controls.

Republican lawmakers praised the measures as decisive.

Senator John Cornyn described the operation as a clear enforcement of sanctions, while Senator John Barrasso called it ‘one of the boldest law-enforcement actions in decades’, arguing that tighter control curtails networks involving China, Russia, and Iran.

Democrats Raise Legal and Policy Concerns

Democrats, however, raised concerns over shifting objectives and a lack of congressional authorisation.

Representative Gregory Meeks said the administration’s rationale appeared to have shifted ‘from drugs to regime change to controlling a country and its oil’, while Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin flagged uncertainties regarding costs, duration, and risks of a prolonged US role.

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi plans legislation to bar any US occupation or administration of Venezuela, including its oil sector, without explicit congressional approval.

For India, a major crude importer, the development is closely watched. Venezuela, with the world’s largest proven oil reserves, was a key supplier of heavy crude to Indian refiners before US sanctions halted imports in 2019.

Any return of Venezuelan oil under US supervision could influence supply, pricing, and competition among buyers.

Rubio emphasised that the United States intends the control as a temporary stabilisation measure, not a permanent occupation.

The Energy Department said that repairing Venezuela’s severely degraded energy infrastructure will require years of restoration with foreign expertise.

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