Two U.S. officials cited by foreign media say North American Blue Energy
Partners (NABEP) will assume control of several Venezuelan oilfields previously
held by a Russian firm and five other international companies. Officials say the
transfers form part of a comprehensive oil-production agreement announced by
President Trump and Venezuela and are among 14 contracts recently awarded to
NABEP. NABEP, formerly owned by U.S. oil tycoon Harry Sargeant, is now
controlled by Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt. The arrangement gives
Washington direct influence over Venezuelan oil production and sales as the
Trump administration seeks to reshape the country’s oil sector and align its
reserves with U.S. economic and geopolitical interests.
