US Eyes Venezuelan Oil After Maduro Ouster; Big Oil Unbriefed on Investment Plans

• US and Venezuelan officials are discussing crude exports to the US following Nicolás Maduro's ouster.
• US Gulf Coast refineries are suited for Venezuela's heavy crude, which was regularly imported before sanctions.
• President Trump envisions US investment to rebuild Venezuela's oil sector, with potential taxpayer reimbursement.
• Major US oil companies (Exxon Mobil, Chevron, ConocoPhillips) deny being briefed by the White House on Venezuelan operations.
• Antitrust concerns complicate collective discussions between oil companies and the White House regarding Venezuela.

Why It Matters: US explores Venezuelan oil imports post-Maduro, but major oil firms are not yet on board with investment plans.