Bloomberg has learned about the US plans to turn Venezuela into a long-term oil asset

The administration of US President Donald Trump considers Venezuela as a strategic source of oil for the future against the background of the expected release of American production to a plateau in the coming years. This was announced on January 9 by Bloomberg, citing analysts.

"The United States doesn't need this oil at the moment — it's more of a bet for the future," said independent oil consultant Marcelo de Assis.

According to analysts, shale production in the United States, which has given the country the status of the largest producer in the world, is approaching the limit of growth, while global oil demand continues to update records.

According to the International Energy Agency, the industry will need about $540 billion in investments per year to maintain current production volumes by 2050. This means that without new projects, global production could decrease by almost 50% by 2040, the article says.

Against this background, Trump's interest in Venezuela, which has the world's largest oil reserves, is long-term. According to Rystad Energy, production growth in the country will be limited without large-scale investments. However, according to the head of the company's analytical department, Shriner Parker, if prices reach $100 per barrel in the mid-2030s, Venezuela could become a key counterweight to the dominance of OPEC countries.

Peace plan: The United States announced a three-step process of change in Venezuela

Washington intends to take control of the oil sector, launch Western companies into the country and organize a transition of power.

On the same day, Trump announced the cancellation of the second wave of strikes on Venezuela, which was originally planned. He also said that the largest oil companies will invest at least $100 billion in the reconstruction of Venezuela and its oil and gas infrastructure.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on January 6 that Russia welcomes the efforts of the Venezuelan authorities to protect state sovereignty and national interests. The statement notes that the oath of office of the Executive Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, demonstrates the government's determination to ensure the unity of power and create conditions for stable development.

On January 5, Rodriguez took the oath of office as interim president of the country. On January 4, the Supreme Court of Venezuela recognized her as acting president.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was brought to New York Federal Court on January 5 to face charges. In court, he declared his innocence and said that he was still the president of his country. The American court agreed to schedule a visit by consular officers to Venezuela. The judge ordered Maduro to appear in court on March 17 for a hearing. On January 3, the Russian Foreign Ministry called on the US leadership to release Maduro.

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