Reports that US wants big stake in Venezuelan oil and gas spark anger

Reports suggest the US government is in advanced talks to secure long-term stakes in Venezuela's massive oil and gas reserves. The potential deal has drawn sharp criticism from the Venezuelan opposition, who label the move as predatory and unconstitutional.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the geopolitical tension surrounding energy resources and the controversial nature of US intervention in Venezuelan governance.
An oil pumpjack on Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Zulia state, Venezuela. via Getty Images An oil pumpjack on Lake Maracaibo in Cabimas, Zulia state, Venezuela. via Getty Images Venezuela Venezuelan opposition up in arms over reports US wants big stake in oil and gas Critics call move to gain long-term access to country’s massive energy reserves ‘predatory’ and ‘unconstitutional’
Prefer the Guardian on Google Reports that the US is preparing to claim a big stake in Venezuela’s massive energy reserves have sparked an outcry, with critics describing the move as “predatory” and “unconstitutional”.
Several media outlets this week reported that the Trump administration – which abducted Venezuela’s authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, in January and has steered the South American country ever since – hopes to secure long-term access to its oil and gasfields.
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