US invites Venezuela to join G20 energy talks in Texas
A Venezuelan delegation will take part in this week's G20 energy meetings in Houston, as global energy prices surge amid the Middle East war. US officials say the move reflects deepening energy cooperation with Caracas.
US officials announced Monday that a Venezuelan delegation will join this week's G20 energy meetings in Houston, Texas. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the summit, running through Wednesday, will bring together G20 country representatives alongside Venezuela.
Speaking to a US business news channel, Burgum framed the move as part of an effort to shift the geopolitical center of the oil industry away from the Middle East toward the Western Hemisphere, citing ongoing disruption risks from the region. The meetings will gather delegations from major economies including China, India, Japan and Germany, alongside large oil producers such as Canada and Saudi Arabia.
Venezuela's role and the new deal
According to Bloomberg, attendees will include Venezuelan oil minister Paula Henao and PDVSA vice president Jovanny Martinez. The US delegation will also include Energy Secretary Chris Wright. Burgum's office said Venezuela's participation reflects deepening engagement between the Trump administration and Caracas on energy matters, including expanded opportunities for US companies and further energy deals.
In late August, the Trump administration announced a deal giving the United States majority control over 65 billion barrels of Venezuela's proven petroleum reserves. Analysts caution, however, that it will take years before Venezuelan oil output rises significantly.
Price surge and political fallout
Fuel prices in the US have climbed sharply, with diesel hitting a record average of $6.20 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. Regular gasoline is now 44 percent more expensive than before the war. The unpopular conflict has raised concerns within the Republican Party about losses in November's midterm elections.
Trump has accused Iran of prolonging the war and has blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a diesel shortage caused by strikes on Russian refineries. Russian diplomats said Saturday that Moscow would also send officials to the Houston summit, a move that has drawn criticism from Ukraine's European allies.
