Venezuela Plans Suspension of Gas Deals with Trinidad over US Alliance

Venezuela, led by Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez, is threatening to suspend and potentially terminate all energy cooperation agreements with Trinidad and Tobago, citing the latter's alliance with the US and its support for a US military presence in the Caribbean. The Venezuelan government accuses Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of adopting a hostile stance and aligning with what it describes as a US-led campaign against Venezuela, including alleged support for false-flag attacks and regional destabilization. This decision impacts significant joint gas projects, including the Dragon field development, which had been delayed due to US sanctions and policy changes. Venezuela's move comes amid heightened tensions following the docking of the US warship USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago, which Venezuela views as an escalation of aggression. The suspension proposal was brought forward after meetings between Venezuelan state energy officials and is based on contractual provisions allowing either party to terminate the agreements. Trinidad and Tobago's government and involved companies have yet to publicly respond to these developments.