Trinidad Probes Reported Oil Spill as Venezuela Raises Alarm Over Environmental Damage

An investigation has been launched into reports of an oil spill in the Gulf of Paria, following claims by the Venezuelan Government that the incident has already caused significant environmental harm along its coastline.

In a formal communiqué issued on Saturday, Venezuela—under Acting President Delcy Rodríguez—alerted the international community to what it described as an oil spill “originating from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,” with documented impacts on the coastal states of Sucre and Delta Amacuro.
According to Venezuelan authorities, preliminary technical assessments indicate that the spill has affected marine ecosystems, shorelines, and fishing communities, while posing serious risks to mangroves, wetlands, and other ecologically sensitive zones critical to regional biodiversity and food security.

The communiqué further warned of damage to vulnerable species and hydrobiological resources, underscoring the potential long-term ecological consequences if containment and remediation measures are not urgently implemented.

Venezuela has since instructed its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to formally request detailed information on the incident, including the scope of the spill and the response plan being undertaken by Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, the Venezuelan Government is calling for full compliance with international environmental obligations and has signaled its expectation for reparative action to address any confirmed damage.

“The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will continue to deploy all necessary actions to protect affected ecosystems and safeguard impacted communities,” the statement concluded.
In response, Trinidad and Tobago’s Energy Minister, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, confirmed that state-owned Heritage Petroleum Company Limited is currently conducting inquiries into the matter.

He indicated that a formal investigation is underway and assured that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.