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Pascagoula Today
By the People, for the People
Chevron Ramps Up Venezuelan Crude Imports to Boost US Fuel Supply
The energy giant is increasing shipments from Venezuela to take advantage of the country's heavy crude oil that is well-suited for Gulf Coast refineries.
Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:22pm
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Chevron's increased imports of Venezuelan crude aim to expand US fuel supply and ease price pressures at the pump.Pascagoula TodayChevron is significantly increasing its imports of Venezuelan crude oil, with plans to potentially bring in up to 400,000 barrels per day. This move is aimed at boosting fuel supply and putting downward pressure on prices at the pump for American consumers. The shift comes after political changes in Venezuela that have opened the door for more US investment and technical support in the country's battered oil sector.
Why it matters
Venezuela's oil production capacity has plummeted in recent years due to mismanagement, but the country's heavy crude is well-suited for refineries along the US Gulf Coast. By tapping into this supply, Chevron hopes to increase fuel output and drive down prices, providing relief to American drivers dealing with elevated global oil prices.
The details
Chevron is now importing around 250,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude per day, with the potential to ramp that up to 350,000-400,000 barrels per day. A recent delivery of 400,000 barrels on the Minerva Gloria tanker is just one example of the increased flow. Chevron says the heavy, sulfur-rich Venezuelan crude is a good match for Gulf Coast refineries engineered to process that type of oil, allowing for higher throughput and more fuel production.
- In January 2026, President Trump's operation in Caracas resulted in the arrest of socialist leader Nicolás Maduro, leading to a reset in Venezuela's government.
- Over the past six months, Chevron has significantly increased its imports of Venezuelan crude, up from negligible levels previously.
The players
Chevron
A major American energy company that is ramping up its imports of Venezuelan crude oil to take advantage of the country's heavy crude that is well-suited for Gulf Coast refineries.
Nicolás Maduro
The former socialist leader of Venezuela whose arrest in January 2026 led to a reset in the country's government, opening the door for more US investment and support in Venezuela's oil sector.
Delcy Rodríguez
The current leader in Venezuela who has turned to the United States for investment and technical support, especially in the country's battered oil industry.
What they’re saying
“It's a pretty big incentive for us to run it.”
— Tim Potter, Refinery director
“The Iran war is just currently masking the gains, but once conditions normalize, that additional supply out of Venezuela will actually translate to lower prices for Americans.”
— Andy Walz
What’s next
Chevron executives have signaled they could potentially increase Venezuelan crude imports to as much as 350,000 to 400,000 barrels per day, which would further boost fuel supply and put downward pressure on prices at the pump.
The takeaway
By tapping into Venezuela's heavy crude oil that is well-suited for US Gulf Coast refineries, Chevron is aiming to increase fuel production and drive down prices for American consumers, providing relief at a time of elevated global oil prices.
