Venezuela's Methane Problem Looms Over Trump's Oil Revival Plan

President Trump is struggling to revive Venezuela’s oil sector due to significant methane leaks caused by dilapidated infrastructure. Satellite data reveals substantial methane emissions from aging oil facilities across the country, indicating operational deficiencies. Venezuela currently wastes billions of cubic meters of natural gas annually, equating to over a billion dollars in lost revenue. A quarter of its gas output escapes into the atmosphere, a rate significantly exceeding the global average. This situation, stemming from neglect and underinvestment, complicates efforts to attract foreign investment. The White House is engaging with U.S. oil executives to promote the revival plan, but political instability and prior asset seizures remain major concerns. Analysts believe major international companies will likely remain hesitant due to these risks. Smaller operators with higher risk tolerance may be the initial investors, which raises concerns about large-scale modernization and emissions control. Reaching previous production levels requires substantial investment over the coming decade. The extent of the infrastructural damage may only be fully revealed upon increasing oil production.