Venezuela-US Oil Deal Raises Questions Over Legality and Transparency

A petroleum agreement between Venezuela and the United States has prompted questions about how private operators were selected and whether the arrangement follows transparent procedures.

Experts and legal scholars cited concerns about the absence of competitive processes. They also questioned the legal basis of the agreement and the way the operators were chosen.

The criticism goes beyond the oil deal itself. Those raising objections warn that the arrangement could further weaken Venezuela’s already fragile institutional framework.