Trump Developed a Murky Scheme to Control Venezuela's Oil - Professor: "No One Can Track the Cash Flow"
Energy sector experts cast doubt on the U.S. plans to leverage Venezuelan oil following the ousting of dictator Nicolás Maduro.
Energy sector specialists, including Professor Veli-Pekka Tynkkynen from the University of Helsinki, express skepticism regarding the United States' intentions to exploit Venezuelan oil after the potential ousting of Nicolás Maduro. President Donald Trump claims that the U.S. has 'taken control' of Venezuelan oil, and American companies are eager to pump it. However, experts argue that the scheme is riddled with uncertainty, murky elements, and lacks economic viability. They assert that Trump's vision of controlling global oil flows is outdated and fraught with challenges.
Professor Tynkkynen and analyst Thina Saltvedt from Nordea Bank highlight four key reasons that undermine Trump's Venezuela strategy. Firstly, the inherent risks involved for oil companies pose significant barriers to entering the Venezuelan market. The United States has pressured Venezuela to open its oil fields to U.S. companies, with threats of further sanctions looming over the nation. The article discusses Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodríguez, who recently signed new agreements, but experts caution that these efforts may not provide the anticipated returns for U.S. interests.
Overall, the analysis indicates that not only is the economic model proposed by Trump fraught with uncertainty, but it also reflects a greater challenge in addressing the complexities of international oil markets in an era that seeks stability and predictability. As opinions vary, it remains to be seen how the geopolitical landscape will evolve in response to these developments in Venezuela's oil sector.