(Feb 12): US President Donald Trump’s energy chief said that the US can help Venezuela drive a “dramatic increase” in oil, natural gas and electricity output this year, as Washington works to issue new licences aimed at “setting free” the country’s economy. Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke to reporters after meeting with acting President Delcy Rodríguez and other top Venezuelan officials at the Miraflores Palace in Caracas, as the US pushes to revive Venezuela’s beleaguered oil sector. “We want to set Venezuela’s people and the economy free,” he added. Wright is the most senior US official to make a public visit to Venezuela since the Trump administration captured former president Nicolás Maduro in early January. While US oil executives and industry leaders have stressed that companies need political reforms, security guarantees and other assurances before investing in Venezuela, Wright has said there has been “absolutely overwhelming” interest.

Source: The Edge Markets February 12, 2026 03:59 UTC