The US restored Chevron Corp.’s ability to pump oil in Venezuela, reversing a decision made just two months earlier when the Trump administration was seeking to exert more pressure on the regime of President Nicolas Maduro.

The U.S. might now allow the energy companies to pay oilfield contractors and make necessary imports to secure operational continuity.

Chevron is expected to lay off more than 500 employees in Houston this fall as part of its integration with Hess Corporation, the company confirmed Thursday.