The return of the opposition and the government in Venezuela to the negotiation table was a key condition for the easing of sanctions by the United States. The move allowed Chevron, one of America’s largest oil companies, to resume production in the Latin American country. Still, there presumably could be another reason for that, which is oil shortages in the global energy market. 

A deal between the Venezuelan government and the opposition made the move possible, and the United States loosened restrictions against the country. Meanwhile, Chevron received a six-month license that authorizes the oil giant to produce petroleum products in Venezuela and supply them to the US market. “This action reflects longstanding US policy to provide targeted sanctions relief based on concrete steps that alleviate the suffering of the Venezuelan people and support the restoration of democracy,” US officials emphasized.

In the early autumn, Senior Director for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez said that the United States would relax and gradually lift unilateral sanctions against Venezuela if the government and the opposition in the country reach progress in negotiations. In addition, in June, the US Department of State allowed Italian company Eni and Spanish firm Repsol to supply oil from Venezuela to Europe.