Venezuelan Government Seeks Exxon Mobil Field Test Details from Trinidad Amid Maritime Border Tensions

Venezuela has formally requested detailed information from Trinidad and Tobago regarding ExxonMobil's upcoming field tests in an ultra-deepwater exploration block recently awarded to the company near their maritime border. Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez demanded details on the location and whether any discoveries could extend into Venezuelan territory, citing Article 8 of their delimitation treaty that requires notification of exploration activities within 500 meters of the border. While Trinidad has expressed willingness to share plans for a seismic survey scheduled next year, it has withheld further operational details citing confidentiality provisions. These developments come amid heightened tensions, with Venezuela suspending a significant energy cooperation agreement with Trinidad and criticizing its perceived pro-US stance. The dispute reflects broader regional geopolitical complexities, similar to Venezuela's earlier conflicts with Guyana which led to suspension of Exxon’s drilling activities in the Stabroek block. ExxonMobil's return to exploration in Trinidadian waters after over two decades underscores the strategic importance of the ultra-deepwater block, comparable to Guyana's prolific Stabroek basin.