Venezuela's state-owned oil company Petroleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA) has ratified Asdrubal Chavez as head of its US-based operations, including the Citgo Petroleum subsidiary.

The appointment comes as the White House announced the United States is seeking to secure fertilizer supplies from Venezuela and Morocco amid global supply chain concerns.

Chavez's role will involve overseeing PDVSA's American assets, with Citgo representing one of the company's most significant international holdings. Citgo operates refineries and retail operations across the United States.

The developments occur against the backdrop of ongoing US sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector, which have complicated the relationship between the two countries' energy industries. The Biden administration has been exploring ways to address global commodity shortages while navigating existing sanctions frameworks.

PDVSA's organizational changes reflect the company's efforts to maintain its international operations despite facing significant financial and operational challenges in recent years.