Published: Jan 15, 2026, 17:51 IST | Updated: Jan 15, 2026, 17:51 IST
The Trump administration completed its inaugural sale of Venezuelan crude on January 14, 2026, valued at $500 million, following U.S. military intervention and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro 11 days prior. Funds from this and future sales, potentially up to 50 million barrels worth $2.8 billion, deposit into U.S.-controlled accounts including one in Qatar to rebuild Venezuela's energy sector and benefit its people.