【Houston, Tex】Venezuelan Oil: A Potential Windfall for U.S. Refineries

Editor’s Note

This analysis examines how U.S. refineries are positioned to become key beneficiaries of a potential easing of sanctions on Venezuela, a shift already being reflected in rising stock prices for major industry players.

La raffinerie Valero de Houston (Texas), le 29 août 2025.
Refineries Poised to Benefit

They could emerge as the primary beneficiaries of the U.S. power move in Venezuela. U.S. refineries stand to gain significantly from an influx of oil from the South American country once American sanctions are eased. Investors appear to be betting on this very scenario, judging by the stock market surge experienced by major industry players like Phillips 66 and Valero Energy starting Monday, January 5th.

Trump’s Announcement on Oil Transfer

On Tuesday, January 6th, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Venezuela would transfer up to 50 million barrels of “sanctioned” oil to the United States.

“I am thrilled to announce that the interim authorities of Venezuela will hand over to the United States between 30 and 50 million barrels of high-quality, sanctioned oil,”

he declared on his network, Truth Social.

“This oil will be sold at market price, and the money will be controlled by me, the President of the United States, to ensure it is used for the benefit of the peoples of Venezuela and the United States,”

he added.

La raffinerie Valero de Houston (Texas), le 29 août 2025.
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⏰ Published on: January 10, 2026