U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced that revenue from Venezuelan oil will now be deposited directly into the U.S. Treasury, abandoning the previous arrangement of directing funds through a controlled account in Qatar. This change was confirmed during his visit to Corpus Christi, Texas, and reflects a significant shift in how the U.S. handles Venezuelan oil sales. Previously, funds were funneled through Qatar, managed under U.S. oversight, before reaching Venezuela.

The announcement marks an evolution in U.S. policy towards Venezuelan oil, particularly after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The Trump administration had taken control over Venezuelan crude oil sales, which have generated revenues exceeding one billion dollars, and Wright indicated that these revenues could potentially double in the upcoming months. The new arrangement emphasizes the U.S. intent to streamline the process and secure these funds directly as a part of its broader strategy regarding Venezuela.

In tandem with these developments, U.S. refineries and some European refineries have been receiving Venezuelan oil, which adds to the complexity of international relations and energy markets amidst an increasingly fluid geopolitical landscape. This shift could have implications not only for U.S.-Venezuela relations but also on global oil markets, as the U.S. seeks to rein in Maduro's regime and potentially reshape the dynamics of oil trade in the region.