United States President Donald Trump and his advisers are considering a long-term plan to gain control of Venezuela's oil sector, with the aim of influencing the global energy market and driving down the price of oil to around $50 per barrel, the Wall Street Journal reports.
According to sources close to the matter, one of the key elements of this plan under consideration is for the United States to exercise control over Venezuela's state oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA), by purchasing and trading most of its oil production.
The administration's goal, according to the report, is for this move to have an impact on reducing global oil prices, bringing them closer to the desired target of $50 per barrel of oil. Trump has expressed confidence in the help that a portion of Venezuelan production can provide to the global market and the American economy, helping to lower energy costs for consumers.
There is still no official comment from the White House on the details of the plan, while the issue is also expected to be discussed with major energy companies in the US and international partners.