The arrest of Evanan Romero, a seasoned energy consultant holding dual nationality as a Venezuelan and a U.S. citizen, has raised alarms in Caracas during a critical juncture for the nation's energy future.
This incident occurs as the White House initiates dialogues with major companies to boost oil production following the capture of Nicolás Maduro and the onset of a transition overseen by Washington.
Romero, aged 86, was apprehended on Friday while preparing to travel to Caracas for meetings with international firms interested in the Orinoco Belt, according to the Spanish newspaper ABC.
From a private clinic, where he remains due to his age and health, Romero recounted being detained at the airport without formal charges. “I've been here since Friday,” he stated, after spending his first night at an Interpol office in Maracaibo.
The consultant, who had entered the country using his U.S. passport, emphasized that he was never informed of any judicial process. He attributed his detention to an old administrative dispute over a family investment, resolved in his favor by the Supreme Court of Justice. He also noted that he has not been charged, and a hearing scheduled for Saturday was postponed.
The implications of Romero's case extend beyond personal matters. He was instrumental in founding INTEVEP, PDVSA's research arm, and played a significant role during the 1990s Oil Opening era, which attracted foreign investment and increased production in Venezuela. In recent years, he has worked as a consultant in Houston, maintaining ties with U.S. and European energy companies.
Recently, Romero's name surfaced in preliminary discussions between the Trump administration and companies like Exxon and ConocoPhillips, exploring a potential return to Venezuela post-Maduro. These talks included compensation for expropriated assets and the allocation of new blocks in the Orinoco Belt.
Additionally, Romero is part of a group of former PDVSA technicians and executives drafting proposals for institutional rebuilding of the industry, from state governance to private capital engagement.
His Caracas agenda included meetings with Repsol's directors and a videoconference with Reliance executives in India, aligning with Washington's energy stabilization strategy post-Maduro's power collapse.
The arrest follows the recent visit of U.S. Energy Secretary Christopher Wright to Caracas and comes amidst White House pressure for clear legal guarantees as a prerequisite for new investments.
For energy sector analysts, this situation sends a concerning message to potential investors.
The court's decision in the coming hours will be seen as a test of the interim administration led by Delcy Rodríguez and the feasibility of an orderly transition to restore Venezuela's chief economic driver.
Key Questions About Evanan Romero's Arrest and Venezuela's Energy Future
Why was Evanan Romero detained in Venezuela?
Evanan Romero was detained in Maracaibo without formal charges being presented. He attributes his detention to a previous administrative dispute over a family investment, which he claims was resolved in his favor by the Supreme Court of Justice.
What is the significance of Romero's detention for Venezuela's energy sector?
Romero's detention is significant as he is a key figure in Venezuela's energy sector, with ties to major international companies. His case could affect investor confidence and is viewed as a test of the current administration's ability to navigate an orderly transition in the country's energy industry.
What was Evanan Romero's role in Venezuela's oil industry?
Evanan Romero was a founder of INTEVEP, PDVSA's research division, and held key positions during the Oil Opening era in the 1990s, which aimed to increase foreign investment and oil production in Venezuela.