Chevron Expands Operations in Venezuela Amid Controversial US Deal
US oil giant Chevron has confirmed it will expand its operations in Venezuela after President Donald Trump announced a deal to develop the nation's oil reserves and give the Pentagon a stake in the profits.
Chevron, which has been operating in Venezuela since 1923, plans to invest over $7 billion over the next five years, with the goal of more than doubling its current production to about 600,000 barrels a day.
Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves, totaling over 303 billion barrels of crude oil. However, due to severely degraded energy infrastructure and international sanctions, the country is only producing just over 1 million barrels per day.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the agreement will 'increase the confidence for private businesses to come do deals in Venezuela directly with the government of Venezuela.'