The United States Department of the Treasury has moved to ease sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, allowing American companies to resume business with the state-owned oil firm Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA). The decision comes as the administration of Donald Trump seeks to stabilize global energy markets amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
According to officials, the Treasury issued a broad license authorizing U.S.-based entities to engage in a wide range of transactions with PDVSA and its subsidiaries. The move is aimed at increasing oil production, encouraging investment, and ensuring a more stable global supply at a time when energy markets are under pressure.
The policy shift is directly linked to disruptions caused by the war with Iran, which has driven oil prices higher and strained supply chains—especially following attacks on key energy infrastructure and instability in strategic routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. officials emphasized that the measure is intended to benefit both countries while supporting global energy stability. Increased Venezuelan oil output is expected to help offset shortages and reduce volatility in international markets.
In parallel, the White House has also temporarily waived requirements under the Jones Act, allowing goods transported between U.S. ports to be carried on non-U.S.-flagged vessels. This step is designed to ease logistical bottlenecks and ensure that critical resources such as oil, natural gas, and other commodities can flow more freely during the crisis.
Together, these measures reflect a broader U.S. strategy to counter energy shortages and mitigate the global economic impact of the Iran conflict by turning to alternative suppliers like Venezuela.
