Venezuela terminates gas supply contracts with Trinidad and Tobago

Venezuela Terminates Gas Supply Contracts with Trinidad and Tobago Amid Rising Tensions

On December 15, 2025, the Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, announced the immediate termination of all contracts and negotiations related to the supply of natural gas to Trinidad and Tobago. This decision comes in response to accusations against the Trinidadian government for its alleged involvement in the seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, an incident that Maduro"s administration describes as an act of piracy and a violation of international law.

Key Details

The Venezuelan government issued a formal statement asserting that it has become aware of Trinidad and Tobago"s participation in what it terms the "theft of Venezuelan oil." This accusation references an incident that occurred on December 10, 2025, when a vessel transporting oil from Venezuela was reportedly assaulted, an act Maduro"s regime claims was orchestrated by the United States administration.

In the statement, the Venezuelan government characterized this incident as a "serious violation of international law" and a blatant infringement on the principles of free navigation and trade. The Venezuelan administration has expressed strong discontent regarding the actions of Trinidad and Tobago, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. Maduro"s government has accused Persad-Bissessar of fostering a hostile agenda against Venezuela since taking office, including the establishment of U.S. military radars on Trinidadian soil. These radars are alleged to facilitate surveillance and potential military actions against Venezuelan vessels transporting oil.

Maduro"s administration has labeled Trinidad and Tobago"s actions as an unequivocal act of "vassalage" to the United States, asserting that the island nation has effectively turned into a "U.S. aircraft carrier" aimed at undermining Venezuela"s sovereignty. In light of these escalating tensions, Maduro previously denounced the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation that had been signed with Trinidad and Tobago, signaling a significant deterioration in diplomatic relations.

The Venezuelan government has made it clear that it will not tolerate what it perceives as colonial aggression against its sovereignty and right to development. Maduro"s statement concluded with a declaration of Venezuela"s resilience, asserting that the nation "will always prevail" against external threats.

Background

The relationship between Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago has been strained in recent years, particularly as geopolitical tensions have escalated in the region. The Venezuelan economy, heavily reliant on oil exports, has faced significant challenges due to U.S. sanctions and internal political turmoil. Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, has sought to navigate its own energy needs while balancing its diplomatic relations with both the United States and Venezuela.

In previous reports, Trinidad and Tobago has opened its airports to U.S. military operations amid rising tensions with Venezuela, further complicating the diplomatic landscape in the Caribbean. This strategic positioning has drawn criticism from Caracas, which views such actions as direct threats to its national security.

What"s Next

The immediate termination of gas supply contracts is likely to have significant implications for both nations. For Venezuela, this decision underscores its commitment to defending its sovereignty and natural resources against perceived external threats. For Trinidad and Tobago, the loss of gas supplies could impact its energy security and economic stability, particularly given the ongoing reliance on energy imports.

As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how both countries navigate this escalating conflict and what measures may be taken to address the underlying tensions. The implications of this diplomatic rift could extend beyond the immediate region, influencing broader geopolitical dynamics in the Caribbean and Latin America.

For further insights into the evolving situation, see our previous reports on Trinidad and Tobago"s military cooperation with the United States amid tensions with Venezuela.