Bitcoin News Today: "El Salvador Vaults Gold for Stability as Venezuela Fuels Oil Trade with USDT"

El Salvador has increased its gold reserves by 32%, acquiring 13,999 troy ounces of gold worth approximately $50 million in its first such purchase since 1990. The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) announced the move as part of a broader strategy to diversify the country’s international reserves. The addition of gold, which now brings total holdings to 58,105 troy ounces valued at $207 million, reflects a long-term positioning to strengthen the nation’s financial stability while maintaining a balanced asset portfolio [2]. This decision aligns with global trends, as central banks worldwide have been accumulating gold at an annual rate of over 1,000 tonnes in recent years, with gold representing about 20% of global central bank reserves [6].

The timing of the acquisition coincides with a sharp rise in gold prices, which reached record levels above $3,500 per ounce. This rally has been driven by expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve, scheduled for late September 2025. The Central Reserve Bank emphasized that the gold acquisition is a prudent step to ensure diversified, secure, and long-term reserves, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening national patrimony [2]. The move follows International Monetary Fund (IMF) guidance, which recommended the resumption of gold purchases after the country paused its Bitcoin accumulation in February 2025 [3].

In parallel with its gold strategy, El Salvador continues to hold approximately 6,244 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $742 million, according to the Bitcoin Office. The government’s Bitcoin portfolio remains profitable, with a 127% gain based on the average acquisition price of $46,000 per Bitcoin. However, under IMF pressure, El Salvador has revised its cryptocurrency policies, including the removal of mandatory Bitcoin acceptance for businesses in January 2025. The reforms are part of a $1.4 billion IMF loan agreement aimed at reducing fiscal risk and enhancing transparency. The Chivo wallet, once a flagship tool for Bitcoin adoption, is set to be privatized and removed from government control [3].

In a separate development in Latin America, Venezuela has begun using the U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin Tether (USDT) to settle crude oil sales, bypassing traditional banking systems and circumventing economic sanctions. This shift allows the Venezuelan government to access liquidity more quickly and transparently. According to economist Azdrubal Oliveros, USDT is being used as a stable alternative to volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, enabling companies to convert bolivars into USDT—and subsequently into U.S. dollars—without relying on costly and time-consuming bank transfers [4].

The adoption of USDT in crude oil transactions has become increasingly prevalent, with over $119 million worth of stablecoins sold in July 2025 alone. This approach not only avoids potential blockades on traditional oil payments but also provides direct access to foreign currency for the government. The state oil company PDVSA has reportedly shifted a significant portion of its crude cargo settlements to USDT, with more than half of shipments now partially or fully paid in the stablecoin [4]. The move reflects a broader shift in Venezuela’s economic strategy, as the country seeks to adapt to financial constraints and limited access to conventional banking systems.

The use of USDT in oil settlements highlights the growing role of stablecoins in international trade, particularly in regions with currency instability or limited access to the U.S. dollar. The speed, low cost, and transparency of USDT transactions make it an attractive option for businesses requiring fast access to liquidity. While regulatory challenges remain, the Venezuelan case demonstrates how digital assets can serve as a viable alternative in a sanctions-driven economic environment [5]. As Latin American economies continue to navigate financial uncertainty, both gold and stablecoins are emerging as key tools for diversification and resilience.

Source:

[1] title1 (https://www.kitco.com/news/article/2025-09-05/el-salvador-increases-gold-reserves-32-after-bitcoin-windfall)

[2] title2 (https://cryptobriefing.com/el-salvador-gold-bitcoin-bet/)

[3] title3 (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/el-salvador-adds-14-000-103930646.html)

[4] title4 (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/usdt-sparks-the-change-in-crude-oil-payments-in-venezuela/)

[5] title5 (https://www.mexc.com/en-GB/news/economist-usdt-leveraged-to-settle-crude-oil-sales-in-venezuela/84642)

[6] title6 (https://www.mining.com/el-salvador-buys-50m-of-gold-for-reserve-diversification/)