US Oil Imports from Venezuela Hit 9-Year High as Chevron Expands Operations

Key Facts

1U.S. imports of Venezuelan crude jumped by 183,000 barrels per day in the week ended Sept. 11.

2Total imports reached 782,000 barrels per day, a 9-year high according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

In a move reflecting a significant shift in the U.S. energy supply landscape, crude oil imports from Venezuela have surged to their highest level in nine years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, imports jumped by 183,000 barrels per day in the week ended Sept. 11, bringing total flows to 782,000 barrels per day. This increase follows regulatory easing and expanded project agreements, with Chevron positioned as a primary beneficiary of the increased volumes heading to U.S. refineries.

These figures strengthen the position of major energy firms within the regional landscape, especially as commodity flows continue to grow in this vital sector. Looking at peer performance per market data on September 18, 2026, ExxonMobil (XOM) closed at $163.54, while Shell (SHEL) reached $94.54, and BP ended the session at $44.58. These price levels reflect relative stability in the oil and gas sector alongside shifts in Latin American supply chains.

Regarding market performance, Chevron (CVX) stood at $209.51 at the close of September 18, 2026, after hitting a day high of $211.90. Energy traders are monitoring further updates on oil inventories, particularly following the API Crude Oil Stock Change report on September 15, which showed a build of 7.14 million barrels, potentially impacting price action in the near term.