Former Chevron executive Ali Moshiri is seeking $2 billion to invest in Venezuelan oil projects following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. The move comes as President Donald Trump indicated that Washington would take control of the oil-producing nation, signaling potential opportunities for American energy companies.
Moshiri’s investment fund, Amos Global Energy Management, has identified several Venezuelan oil assets and is engaging institutional investors through a private placement to kick-start the projects, he told the Financial Times. “I’ve had a dozen calls over the past 24 hours from potential investors. Interest in Venezuela has gone from zero to 99 percent,” Moshiri said, highlighting the sudden surge in attention from the market.
Trump, speaking shortly after Maduro’s capture, noted that U.S. oil companies were ready to invest billions to restore Venezuela’s crude production. Such efforts could boost global oil supply, potentially lowering energy prices and providing a lift to economic growth worldwide.
Despite the enthusiasm, analysts caution that restoring Venezuelan oil production will require massive investment due to the country’s deteriorated infrastructure.
Aging equipment, poorly maintained facilities, and operational disruptions could make ramping up output challenging, even with significant capital injection.
Additionally, with a current global oil surplus, the short-term impact on markets may be limited, raising questions about the practicality and returns of such large-scale projects.
Amos Global Energy did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. However, the strong initial investor interest underscores the perceived opportunity in Venezuela’s oil sector amid shifting political and economic dynamics. While hurdles remain, Moshiri’s effort reflects renewed U.S. corporate interest in a country long considered high-risk for foreign investment.
