CARACAS, Feb 12, (V7N): The United States is pushing for a dramatic increase in Venezuelan oil production as part of a broader effort to revive the country’s energy industry and deepen economic ties, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday during a high-level visit to Caracas. The move comes as relations thaw between Washington and the interim Venezuelan government under Delcy Rodriguez.

Wright, the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Venezuela in decades, met Rodriguez and senior oil executives to discuss expanding U.S. involvement in the Venezuelan energy sector. He said the aim is to significantly boost output of oil, natural gas and electricity — increases that would benefit both ordinary Venezuelans and broader economic cooperation across the Americas.

“We spoke very candidly about the tremendous opportunities in front of us,” Wright told reporters, emphasizing U.S. commitment to transforming bilateral ties and supporting energy investment. The U.S. has also eased sanctions on Venezuela’s industry and allowed American firms to work with the state oil company PDVSA, signaling a new chapter in cooperation.

Washington already conducted an initial sale of Venezuelan crude that generated about $500 million for Caracas, and further oil sales are expected to bring in billions more in coming months. Much of the oil is refined in U.S. facilities, and proceeds are directed to Venezuela’s interim government as part of evolving commercial arrangements.

Despite optimism, analysts say expanding output will be challenging given years of underinvestment, mismanagement and infrastructure decay. Venezuela’s production, once among the world’s highest, remains well below historical levels — a gap that wider investment and reforms aim to close.

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