Unlike major U.S. oil corporations such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips, which have cited safety and financial concerns regarding Venezuela, the Trump administration has moved forward with a deal involving North America Blue Energy Partners (NABEP).
ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods described the situation as “uninvestable” earlier this year, while ConocoPhillips remains hesitant until debts are settled. Chevron stands as the sole major American oil company currently operating in the country, recently announcing a $7 billion investment to double production by 2031.
NABEP’s CEO, Betancourt, has significantly expanded production from 18,000 to over 200,000 barrels per day, making his firm the second-largest private producer in Venezuela. The company projects nearly $100 billion in investment and aims for production to exceed one million barrels daily.
DespiteBetancourt’s denied allegations of money laundering and corruption, U.S. officials justified the partnership based on his operational track record. The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) will acquire a 35 percent stake, though Pentagon statements initially contradicted the equity structure, creating confusion about statutory authority.
Experts warn that the deal lacks a clear legal framework and faces substantial political risks. A change in U.S. leadership or Venezuelan governance could jeopardize the agreement, limiting its long-term impact on de-risking private investment.
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