Venezuela Exports Liquefied Petroleum Gas for First Time

Venezuela exported liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for the first time in its history, marking a symbolic milestone for the country’s troubled energy sector despite years of declining production caused by underinvestment and operational disruptions.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announced on Friday that Venezuela had signed its first-ever contract to export LPG, describing the move as a long-awaited breakthrough. Speaking during an event broadcast on state television, Rodríguez said the agreement reflects a commitment to reviving the country’s energy potential and honoring obligations to the Venezuelan people.

“Today, we are witnessing the signing of the first contract to market liquefied petroleum gas in Venezuela’s history,” Rodríguez said. “This is part of fulfilling our commitments to our people.”

Venezuela produces LPG at the José refining complex in the eastern part of the country. However, production levels have declined sharply in recent years due to a lack of investment, aging infrastructure, and repeated operational disruptions. These challenges have led to widespread domestic shortages, affecting households across the country that rely on LPG for cooking and heating.

A significant portion of Venezuela’s gas supply comes from associated gas, which is extracted alongside crude oil. While some projects have been launched to capture and process this fuel, large volumes are still flared due to insufficient infrastructure and limited capital, highlighting long-standing inefficiencies in the sector.

Expanding gas exports, analysts note, will require delicate political coordination with the United States, particularly following the arrest of former President Nicolás Maduro by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Sanctions, licensing arrangements, and geopolitical considerations remain critical factors shaping Venezuela’s ability to access international energy markets.

The LPG export deal comes as Rodríguez seeks to reposition Venezuela as a destination open to foreign investment, signaling a shift in policy after years of strict controls over the energy sector. The government has recently eased some long-standing restrictions, aiming to attract international partners and revive production amid a new political landscape following Maduro’s removal from power.