U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced Wednesday, February 11, 2026, that the U.S. Embargo on Venezuelan crude oil “essentially ended,” following a meeting in Caracas with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Wright, who arrived in the Venezuelan capital that morning, stated the United States is prepared to facilitate boost the production of oil, gas, and energy in the South American country after conversations with the interim president and Minister of Petroleum at the Miraflores presidential palace.
“We are on the threshold, at a turning point in history,” Wright affirmed during a meeting with journalists at a hotel in Caracas. “I believe we will witness an absolutely dramatic turn in the trajectory of this nation,” he said.
The embargo imposed by President Donald Trump on Venezuelan crude in 2019, during his first term, “essentially ended,” Wright added.
A Conversation with “Much Frankness”
The official noted that during the meeting with Rodríguez, both discussed “the enormous opportunities [they] have ahead and some of the problems and challenges” with a great deal of frankness.
He assured that they committed to “working together to resolve them,” which he believes is possible, and “move forward with the enormous opportunities.”
Wright’s visit to Caracas is, to date, the highest-level U.S. Visit focused on energy policy in almost three decades, promising a new era of economic partnership.
“This year we can drive a spectacular increase in Venezuelan oil production, Venezuelan natural gas production and Venezuelan electricity production,” Wright said during a televised press conference following the meeting.
Wright: U.S. Wants to “Liberate the Venezuelan People”
This boost would generate more employment opportunities, higher wages, and a better quality of life for Venezuelans, even as also benefiting the United States and the Western Hemisphere, Wright stated, adding that his government wants to “liberate the Venezuelan people and the economy.”
Venezuela and the U.S. Established a “long-term productive partnership” in energy matters on Wednesday and discussed projects in oil, gas, mining, and electricity, the South American country’s acting president previously announced.
The visit comes after a military action in January where Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were captured, and amid decisions by both countries to facilitate oil investment.
Rodríguez Says She Will Travel to the United States “At Some Point”
Venezuela’s acting president said after the meeting that she will travel to the United States “at some point.”
“At some point, I imagine,” Rodríguez told a group of journalists at the Miraflores presidential palace when asked if she would travel to the United States, also stating she currently has much work in the South American country.
She made the statement after saying goodbye to Wright at Miraflores, where they had a private meeting in which, both assured, there was a frank conversation.
A White House official previously stated in January that Rodríguez is expected to visit Washington, without detailing dates or agenda.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright say about the embargo on Venezuelan crude oil?
Wright stated that the U.S. Embargo on Venezuelan crude oil “essentially ended” following his meeting with Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
What did Wright and Rodríguez discuss during their meeting?
They discussed “the enormous opportunities [they] have ahead and some of the problems and challenges” with a great deal of frankness, and committed to working together to resolve them.
What is the U.S. Willing to do to help Venezuela?
The United States is prepared to help boost the production of oil, gas, and energy in Venezuela.
Given this renewed focus on energy cooperation, what impact might this have on global oil markets and geopolitical dynamics in the region?
