Foreign embassies arrange visits for US and European oil executives to Venezuela to assess infrastructure and negotiate oil supply deals.
CARACAS: Foreign embassies in Venezuela are arranging visits for representatives of American and European oil companies next week.
Two sources told Reuters the business meetings will advance negotiations for Venezuelan oil supplies and conduct initial infrastructure assessments.
Some meetings are being planned with Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA.
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A priority will be assessing power plants’ ability to supply critical infrastructure, including PDVSA’s operations, and the country’s deteriorated hydroelectric system.
Specific negotiations tied to President Donald Trump’s 50 million barrel Venezuelan oil supply deal are also on the table.
The plans for meetings in Caracas emerge less than a week after US forces removed President Nicolas Maduro from power.
American oil companies are expected to meet at the White House on Friday.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US plans to control Venezuela’s oil sales and revenue indefinitely to stabilise its economy and rebuild its oil sector.
A US State Department spokesperson said preparations are being made to allow for a reopening should President Trump make that decision.
Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment. – Reuters
