Top Trump official reveals how 30-minute military op unlocked Venezuela oil windfall for US buyers

Energy Secretary Chris Wright revealed that a recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela has paved the way for an aggressive expansion of the nation's energy sector. Venezuelan national energy production is projected to more than double by the end of 2027 following the capture and removal of Nicolás Maduro, providing the United States with significant leverage over the country's energy policy and resources. As part of this shift, Chevron is executing an investment plan exceeding $7 billion over five years to more than double its Venezuelan output to 600,000 barrels per day. Venezuela holds over 300 billion barrels in crude reserves, representing about 20% of the world's total, though it currently produces only roughly 1% of global supply due to years of mismanagement and neglected infrastructure. The initiative is positioned to shift global supply dynamics toward the Western Hemisphere, feeding millions of barrels to U.S. refineries via American equipment and infrastructure. The push for expanded Latin American output comes as Middle East tensions and disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz push U.S. regular gasoline prices to $4.22 per gallon.