The US helped the billionaire to get the rights to oil in Venezuela in exchange for a discount

According to the Washington Post, the United States has signed a large-scale agreement with Venezuelan billionaire Alejandro Betancourt, making him a key partner in importing oil from Venezuela. In exchange, the country will receive energy at significantly reduced prices, writes sb.by.

According to RIA Novosti, under the terms of the 50-year agreement, Betancourt received rights to Venezuelan oil fields with estimated reserves of 63.7 billion barrels. At the same time, the entrepreneur must transfer 35 percent of his company to North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) for almost free. In addition, it is obliged to supply the United States with 20% of the oil produced at a discounted price of $ 30 per barrel, which is less than a third of the current market value. The U.S. will also be given priority to buy the rest of Betancourt's oil at market prices.

According to the publication, citing confidential contracts, Venezuela under separate agreements with the government will receive from 16 to 40% of oil produced at the Betancourt fields in the form of royalties - the size of the share depends on the location and type of field. At the same time, the country will receive its share before the US takes its 20%.

Recall that oil imports from Venezuela to the United States were suspended in January 2019 due to sanctions against the state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). In January 2022, the US Treasury made an exception for Chevron, allowing it to resume exports of raw materials from Venezuelan enterprises, and in 2023 supplies were actually restored.

The European Commission estimated the loss of the EU from rising energy prices at € 127 billion