The year began with major news. Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela, was arrested by the United States in a surprise military operation that no one expected.
Specifically, early Saturday morning there were reports of explosions in Caracas, which were confirmed a few hours later by Donald Trump himself, announcing that Maduro had already been transferred to the United States to stand trial on drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
Trump called it a “brilliant operation” and publicly stated that the United States would temporarily “run” the country until a smooth, safe, and democratic transition of power is ensured.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO US?
Let’s now look at it from an investment perspective. Venezuela sits on the LARGEST oil reserves on the planet. We are talking about 303 billion barrels, roughly 17 percent of global reserves, an amount capable of influencing the balance of the global energy market for decades.
Venezuelan oil is mainly heavy crude, difficult to process and less efficient than light crude, but PERFECTLY suited for the specialized refineries in the Gulf of Mexico. These refineries were designed specifically for this type of oil and until recently depended on imports from Venezuela.
In recent years, however, due to sanctions and political instability, the flow of this oil was almost completely cut off. The refineries were forced to turn to more expensive and less efficient alternatives. Now, this problem appears to be getting resolved. And this is of enormous importance for US energy security and for the profit margins of American companies.
And who is solving it? The United States. Through a combined military, political, and economic strategy, they now control not only access to the resources, but effectively the country itself. Donald Trump has stated clearly that the goal is the full reconstruction of Venezuela’s energy infrastructure, with the involvement of the largest American oil companies. Billions in investments, a new legal and political framework, and control over production. This is a plan that, if successful, could place Venezuela back at the center of global energy production, this time under American influence.
THE EXXON MOBIL FRONT
Exxon Mobil , one of the largest and most powerful oil companies in the world, is emerging as a key player in the “day after” in Venezuela. According to statements by Trump, Exxon Mobil , along with other giants such as Chevron , which already had an active presence in the country, will be called upon to invest billions for the full restoration of the destroyed energy infrastructure.
The objective is clear: to restart production at levels that could exceed even 3 million barrels per day in the coming years. We are talking about a complete redesign of the country’s energy strategy, now centered on American interests.
What does this mean in practical terms? That Exxon Mobil is facing an energy field of enormous value and potential. A field that until now was inaccessible due to political constraints, risks, and international sanctions. Now, however, it is not only open, but controlled militarily, legally, and institutionally by the United States. To such an extent that American companies will essentially be “running” Venezuela’s new production engine.
INVESTMENT VIEW
In my opinion, therefore, for those of us who already hold shares of Exxon Mobil , this news is POSITIVE. Very positive. Even if in the short term we may see volatility due to geopolitical instability, in the long term Exxon Mobil is in an excellent position to benefit from a massive new source of revenue and growth.