In a significant geopolitical shift, the United States has asserted control over Venezuela's vast oil reserves following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US forces on January 3, 2026. This development has triggered a scramble among international oil companies to secure ships and assemble the necessary logistics to transfer Venezuelan crude. The US administration, led by President Donald Trump, has announced its intention to control Venezuela's oil sales and revenue indefinitely, selectively rolling back sanctions to facilitate the export of crude to global markets, with an initial focus on sales to the US. Key global trading firms like Vitol and Trafigura are reportedly in discussions with the US administration regarding the marketing of Venezuelan oil, indicating a rapid adjustment to the new operational landscape. Challenges include securing suitable tankers and overcoming issues related to Venezuela's dilapidated port infrastructure. The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has begun issuing private waivers, albeit with conditions that stipulate initial shipments must be sold to buyers in the United States. Furthermore, the US plans to authorize the import of oilfield equipment, parts, and services into Venezuela to modernize and expand its production capabilities, which have declined significantly due to years of underinvestment and sanctions. This move is set to reshape global energy flows. India, a major oil consumer, stands to benefit, with Reliance Industries actively seeking US permission to resume purchasing Venezuelan crude. This comes amid US pressure on India to reduce its reliance on Russian oil, making Venezuelan heavy crude a strategic alternative for Indian refiners. The US has also been seizing tankers suspected of carrying embargoed Venezuelan oil in recent weeks, underscoring its assertive new role in controlling these exports.