News flash 🚨: This week, OPEC's oil world got sent into a tailspin after US strikes in Venezuela and the reported removal of President Nicolas Maduro. Could the world's biggest oil cartel lose its most valuable reserves? 🤯
On Saturday (January 3, 2026), US forces carried out strikes in Venezuela. Early reports suggest the country's oil production and refining capacity remain intact. But the shocker came when US President Donald Trump announced the capture and removal of Maduro, declaring that the US will run Venezuela for the foreseeable future and take a leading role in its oil sector. 🛢️
Just one day later, at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna on Sunday (January 4, 2026), members had been set to keep output unchanged. Now, they face a historic challenge: if the US claims control of Venezuela's massive reserves, OPEC could lose its largest single oil source. Analysts say we could see emergency quota talks, new alliances, and volatility in oil prices. 📈
For young investors, travelers, and energy enthusiasts, the stakes are high. A shift in Venezuelan control could mean pump prices jump, new investment opportunities in other oil-rich regions, or an accelerated push toward renewables. Stay tuned as this breakneck story unfolds! 🌍⚡
Reference(s):
OPEC risks losing its largest oil reserves in Venezuela – What's next?
cgtn.com
