President Donald Trump has revoked the licenses that allowed several transnational oil and gas companies to operate in Venezuela despite the country being under US sanctions. The cancellation of the licenses will prevent PDVSA from using oil to pay the foreign energy companies for gas,

Global Oil Terminals, owned by billionaire Trump ally Harry Sargeant, is among a raft of oil companies ordered to end operations in the country as part of the Trump administration’s campaign to isolate Caracas.

The Trump administration revoked permits and waivers allowing Western energy firms to operate in Venezuela, three people familiar with the issue said Saturday. The move further isolates Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from the world oil market.