The energy giant Chevron is returning to Venezuela thanks to a new license from the Trump administration. Photo: Dreamyshade.
Guacamaya, August 7, 2025. At least three oil tankers chartered by Chevron were reportedly sailing toward Venezuela on Thursday, according to Reuters.
Crude exports from Venezuela to the U.S. are expected to resume this month, as indicated by Chevron CEO Mike Wirth. This follows the Donald Trump administration granting a new license allowing the energy giant to operate in the South American country despite existing sanctions.
Chevron is reportedly in talks with PDVSA to receive the first oil shipments and revive a supply agreement with Valero Energy. The latter became the leading processor of Venezuelan crude in the U.S. under the previous authorization, General License 41.
According to LSEG vessel tracking data cited by Reuters, the Chevron-chartered tankers Mediterranean Voyager and Canopus Voyager were approaching Aruba on Thursday, north of Venezuela’s western coast. A third vessel, the Sea Jaguar, was sailing from Europe with the Caribbean island as its initial destination.
The news agency also reported that Venezuela’s oil exports reached 727,000 barrels per day in July without any active U.S. license. 95% of these shipments went to China, while the remainder reached Cuba.
