US Oil Giant Aims to Control 55% of the World’s Oil, Ready to Invest Rp1,659 Trillion in Venezuela
A Bold Plan With Global Reach
A leading US oil company has unveiled a sweeping strategy that could reshape the global energy landscape. According to statements from senior leadership, the company—and its American partners—intend to secure access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and invest an estimated Rp1,659 trillion (roughly $100 billion) to rehabilitate the country’s energy infrastructure. Most notably, this initiative could give the United States influence over as much as 55% of the world’s oil when combined with domestic output and the Venezuelan reserves. en.bd-pratidin.com
Moreover, this ambitious plan is emerging at a moment of intense geopolitical competition, and it comes with both economic opportunities and significant challenges. Therefore, understanding its implications requires a detailed look at energy markets, political dynamics, and the history of Venezuela’s oil sector.
Venezuela’s Oil Legacy: The Foundation of a Global Strategy
Venezuela holds one of the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, accounting for an estimated around 17% of global total. Wikipedia Historically, this wealth made the country a major energy exporter, although years of mismanagement, sanctions, and declining investment drastically slowed production.
When the country nationalized its oil sector in the 1970s, the state-owned company PDVSA became central to the economy and political identity. Wikipedia However, by the early 2020s, Venezuela’s output had fallen to about 1 million barrels per day, representing only a small fraction of global oil supply despite its massive reserves. The National
Because of this history, rebuilding Venezuela’s oil industry carries both symbolic weight and economic promise for those willing to take on the challenge.
The Strategic Meeting That Changed Everything
In early 2026, senior executives from major US oil firms—including Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips—met with the Trump administration at the White House. During that meeting, President Trump stated that if US companies regained operational access to Venezuelan oil infrastructure and combined it with domestic production, they could control up to 55% of the world’s oil resources. Daily Sun
Trump’s argument was straightforward: Venezuela’s massive reserves complement existing US production, creating a dominant Western Hemisphere oil bloc if fully developed and integrated. Moreover, he encouraged investment by signaling potential legal and security support for foreign energy companies willing to take on the long-deferred task of rehabilitating Venezuela’s oil sector.
Proposed Investment: Rp1,659 Trillion and What It Could Fund
The proposed Rp1,659 trillion investment (about $100 billion) represents an extraordinary commitment to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry from its current state. With this level of funding, analysts believe that significant infrastructure repair, modernization, and expansion could take place. en.bd-pratidin.com
In concrete terms, this amount of capital could:
- Revitalize deteriorated wells, pipelines, and refineries, many of which have fallen into disrepair over decades. Fintech Scoop
- Upgrade extraction and processing facilities to meet global quality standards. Fintech Scoop
- Improve export logistics and shipping infrastructure, allowing crude to reach global markets more efficiently.
- Attract additional foreign partners that can bring technical expertise and financial muscle.
However, even this staggering investment may only scratch the surface of what is required. Some industry estimates suggest that fully restoring Venezuela’s oil infrastructure to its historical output could cost significantly more and take many years. Fintech Scoop
Why the Plan Matters: Potential Global Oil Influence
If US firms successfully tap into Venezuelan reserves and integrate them with American production, the combined output could theoretically give them influence over about 55% of global oil resources. en.bd-pratidin.com
This scenario raises important questions about:
- Energy security, especially for the United States and its allies.
- Market pricing power, including the ability to influence global oil prices.
- Geopolitical leverage, particularly against rival producers like Russia and China.
- Control over strategic reserves, which are central to national economic stability.
By reshaping the global balance of oil power, this strategy represents more than a corporate play—it reflects a potential pivot in international energy politics.
Reaction From the Industry: Optimism and Skepticism
Even as the administration promotes the plan, reactions from oil industry leaders remain mixed. For example, Chevron’s vice chairman expressed readiness to expand operations in Venezuela and increase output by roughly 50% within 18–24 months—a positive sign that at least some firms see opportunity in the plan. The National
However, ExxonMobil’s CEO labeled Venezuela as “uninvestable” without deep regulatory and legal reforms. Business Insider
This division among corporate leadership highlights the tension between opportunity and risk inherent in re-entering a market with decades of political uncertainty, infrastructure decay, and legal complexity.
Legal and Political Challenges to Investment
One of the most significant barriers to investment is the question of legal stability. Companies argue that they need guarantees that contracts will be honored, assets will be protected, and contracts won’t be changed unilaterally by the Venezuelan state. Moreover, they emphasize that without strong legal frameworks and political safeguards, committing capital at this scale remains extremely risky. Fintech Scoop
In addition, political instability in Venezuela, including changes in leadership and shifting policies, complicate investment decisions. Many companies insist that they require clear and lasting legal frameworks before committing hundreds of billions of dollars to local projects.
Economic Downside Risks and Production Realities
While the proposal aims for massive influence in global oil markets, there are notable economic risks:
- Heavy crude quality in Venezuela requires specialized refining processes. Some US refineries may not be optimized for this grade of oil, adding complexity and cost. Philstar.com
- Underinvestment and aging infrastructure mean that simply extracting oil will be more expensive and time-consuming than in more developed regions. Fintech Scoop
- Geopolitical volatility could delay progress, as reforms and political stability take significant time to materialize.
These challenges mean that while the theoretical 55% control sounds compelling, the real world requires patience, risk tolerance, and long-term planning.
Geopolitical Implications: More Than Economics
If US firms gain a dominant position in Venezuelan oil, the geopolitical landscape could shift dramatically. Countries like China and Russia have historically had strong ties to Venezuela’s energy sector, and any reduction in their access could have diplomatic repercussions. AInvest
Moreover, by potentially controlling a large portion of the world’s oil resources in collaboration with a major producer like Venezuela, the US might set a new precedent for energy dominance and influence. Therefore, this plan isn’t just about production—it’s about who sets the rules in global energy markets for years to come.
Long-Term Vision vs Short-Term Realities
Despite President Trump’s statements and bold projections, industry insiders caution that meaningful production increases and influence will take years. Restoring output to even a fraction of its historical peak could require sustained capital investment, legal reform, and political stability. Fintech Scoop
In the meantime, companies will likely proceed with cautious negotiations, risk assessments, and step-by-step commitments rather than immediate full-scale investment.
Conclusion: A Vision With Many Moving Parts
The idea of a US oil giant investing Rp1,659 trillion in Venezuela and controlling up to 55% of global oil reflects an ambitious vision at the intersection of energy, politics, and economics. However, ambition is only one side of the equation. Practical challenges—legal, infrastructural, and geopolitical—remain substantial.
Whether this plan becomes reality or simply an aspirational goal will depend on cooperation between governments, corporate willingness to take risks, and the evolution of global energy markets. Regardless, this development has already sparked debate over the future of oil, international investment, and the dynamics of energy power in the twenty-first century.
