On July 7, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department announced the termination of a license permitting shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to Venezuela’s state-owned energy company, Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA). The decision halts the authorization first granted in 2021, which allowed LPG deliveries to the OPEC-member nation.

The logo of Venezuelan state oil PDVSA is seen at their headquarters, in Caracas, Venezuela, May 14, 2025.

The Treasury Department specified that offloading of LPG in Venezuela is permitted until September 5, 2025, for any shipments loaded onto vessels on or before July 7, 2025. This provides a brief transition period for any pending deliveries to be completed.

Market sources indicate that Venezuela has not utilized the license to import LPG shipments. In the country, LPG serves primarily as a cooking fuel, meeting essential household needs. The license, though available since 2021, saw no recorded purchases under its terms.

The decision marks a shift in the management of energy-related transactions with Venezuela. LPG, widely used for domestic purposes, remains a critical resource for Venezuelan households. The termination of the license could prompt Venezuela to explore alternative sources for its LPG supply to maintain access to this key fuel.