US President Donald Trump said Venezuela will "deliver" up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, following a sudden military action that removed President Nicolás Maduro from power.
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The oil will be sold at regular market prices, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, and he mentioned that he will personally handle the money, using it to help both the people of Venezuela and the United States.
This announcement follows Trump's suggestion that the US oil industry would be prepared to operate in Venezuela within 18 months, and that he expects significant investment in the country.
Earlier, analysts told the BBC that it might cost billions of dollars and take up to a decade to bring Venezuela’s oil production back to its previous level.
In a message on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump stated: "I am pleased to announce that the Transitional Authority in Venezuela will deliver between 30 and 50 MILLION barrels of high-quality crude oil to the United States.
'This oil will be sold at its Market Price, and the funds will be controlled by me as President of the United States, to ensure they are used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!'"
His comments came a day after Delcy Rodríguez, the former vice president of Venezuela, took an oath as the country's interim president.
Maduro has been sent to the United States to be charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.