(Energy Analytics Institute, 15.Jan.2021) — Venezuela’s leader Nicolás Maduro reiterated earlier claims that US President Donald Trump ordered the sabotage of the OPEC country’s Amuay and Cardón refineries in Punto Fijo.
“Dozens of Venezuelan and Colombian mercenaries have been captured planning conspiracies against our oil, gas and electricity companies,” Maduro was quoted as saying in an official statement released on 15 Jan. 2021 by Venezuela’s state oil and gas giant Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).
Maduro said the attacks were avoided in great part due to the “popular and social intelligence” combined with that of “police and military forces.”
The leader also announced shortfalls in the country’s oil production between 2014 and 2019.
During this time-frame, “oil production fell 69% due to the inability of the industry to dedicate resources for its production plans and maintenance of its facilities [while the US imposed sanctions] to block of the sale of Venezuelan hydrocarbons,” Maduro said in the statement.
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By Piero Stewart. © Energy Analytics Institute (EAI). All Rights Reserved.
