U.S. Pushes for “Dramatic Increase” in Venezuela Oil Output

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has vowed to power a “dramatic increase” in Venezuelan oil output as part of a plan to “make the Americas great again.”

Venezuela, once a major crude supplier to the United States, holds the world’s largest proven reserves, with more than 303 billion barrels.

Wright met interim leader Delcy Rodríguez in Caracas, becoming the highest-ranking US official to visit Venezuela since the United States captured Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, 2026, Andrea Tosla and Patrick Fort reported for Agence France-Presse (AFP).

After talks with Rodríguez, who replaced Maduro and has forged a cooperative relationship with US President Donald Trump, Wright told reporters relations between the nations were “at a pivot in history.”

“I believe we will see an absolutely dramatic turn in the trajectory of this nation, in the state of the relationship between Venezuela and the US, and in the business conditions in the hemisphere for commerce and trade,” he said.

In an earlier meeting with Rodríguez and oil industry executives, Wright insisted Trump was “passionately committed” to transforming ties between the two former foes.

Rodríguez said she supported a “long-term productive partnership” that was “beneficial to both countries.”

Trump approved Rodríguez’s replacement of Maduro on the condition that she comply with US demands on access to Venezuela’s vast oil resources and on easing state repression.

Venezuela, once a major crude supplier to the United States, holds the world’s largest proven reserves, with more than 303 billion barrels, according to OPEC — about a fifth of global reserves.

But in 2024, the country produced only about 1% of the world’s crude, with its industry left haggard by years of underinvestment, mismanagement, and US sanctions.