Venezuela Becomes Fifth-Largest Oil Supplier to the United States After Maduro's Capture
Venezuela consolidated itself as the fifth-largest crude oil supplier to US refineries during the first week of February 2026, a position it had not held since December of the previous year, reflecting a renewed commercial weight following the reconfiguration of bilateral agreements and regulatory instruments. Although the total volume exported—153,000 barrels daily—represented a decrease of 13% compared to the previous seven days, the figure was enough for the country to surpass traditional competitors and regain prominence among Washington's main energy partners.
TL;DR
- Venezuela ranks as the fifth-largest crude oil supplier to US refineries in the first week of February 2026.
- Export volume was 153,000 barrels daily, a 13% decrease from the prior week but enough to regain prominence.
- The four-week moving average reached 131,000 barrels daily, the highest for 2026.
- Current production levels are 58% lower than the same period in 2025 and a fraction of the January 2011 record.
- A political and commercial shift on January 3rd, including an agreement to sell up to 50 million barrels and authorized licenses, boosted shipments.
- Regulatory changes in the Hydrocarbons Law facilitated increased foreign and private capital investment.
- US Gulf Coast refineries are particularly suited to process Venezuela's characteristic heavy crude.