Nicolas Maduro's arrest forced investors to re-evaluate who controls Venezuela's crude oil resources and whether the country's oil industry can actually recover after decades of decline. Andy Lipow, president of Lipo Petroleum Consulting, said: “CNPC controls the vast majority of domestic oil production and reserves.” He pointed out that US energy giant Chevron operates in the country through independent production and a joint venture with PetroVenezuela. Industry experts have warned that any regime change could disrupt the commercial chain of Venezuelan crude oil supply. Lipow said, “Currently, the ownership of power in Venezuela is unclear. Buyers may suspend purchases because they don't know who to pay, and the country's crude oil exports may be completely interrupted.” He also added that the new round of sanctions recently imposed by the US against the “shadow tanker fleet” has seriously affected Venezuelan oil exports, forcing the country to cut production.

Nicolas Maduro's arrest forced investors to re-evaluate who controls Venezuela's crude oil resources and whether the country's oil industry can actually recover after decades of decline. Andy Lipow, president of Lipo Petroleum Consulting, said: “CNPC controls the vast majority of domestic oil production and reserves.” He pointed out that US energy giant Chevron operates in the country through independent production and a joint venture with PetroVenezuela. Industry experts have warned that any regime change could disrupt the commercial chain of Venezuelan crude oil supply. Lipow said, “Currently, the ownership of power in Venezuela is unclear. Buyers may suspend purchases because they don't know who to pay, and the country's crude oil exports may be completely interrupted.” He also added that the new round of sanctions recently imposed by the US against the “shadow tanker fleet” has seriously affected Venezuelan oil exports, forcing the country to cut production.