Trump Plan Risks Derailing Venezuela's Oil Recovery

US President Donald Trump's plan to secure direct access to Venezuela's vast oil reserves could hinder the country's long-awaited petroleum revival.

The proposal, unveiled on Monday, would see Washington acquire a 35 percent equity stake in private oil firm North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), controlled by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt. NABEP would receive a 100-year lease on 17 Venezuelan oilfields with an estimated 65 billion barrels of reserves.

The US would gain a guaranteed 20 percent share of production at cost and retain the right to purchase all remaining output. This arrangement could create market distortions, stifle competition, and deter foreign investment in Venezuela's energy industry.