By Admin 
America shocked the whole world by arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Initially this action was seen to be linked to illegal drug smuggling, but now the reports coming out are telling a different story. According to a report by British media organization Sky News, Venezuela’s huge oil reserves are at the center of this entire incident.
America has been accusing Venezuela of drug smuggling for a long time. The activities of the US Navy, monitoring of tankers near the coast and maritime security operations were also linked to this. But Sky News says this is not the whole picture. The real reason may be the strategy related to energy and oil.
Why is America interested in Venezuelan oil?
At first glance this question seems strange, because America has today become the world’s largest oil producer. After the shale oil revolution, American production has reached record levels. In such a situation, the question arises that when America itself has so much oil, then why should it need Venezuela?
Big difference between light and heavy oil
Oil is not just oil. There are different types of crude oil also. Some are light, which flow easily, while some are extremely thick and sticky, which are called heavy crude oil. The shale oil produced in America is mostly light oil.
Helplessness of America’s refineries
Many of the large refineries in America were built decades ago to process heavy crude oil. Especially the refineries located in Texas, Louisiana and the Gulf Coast are dependent on this type of oil. These cannot be replaced with light oil overnight, as this is a very expensive and technically complex task.
Dependence on imports increased, even though production is high
Today the situation is that even though America is producing the most oil, it has to depend on imports for heavy crude oil. In the last few years, the share of heavy oil in America’s total oil imports has increased rapidly and has reached about 70 percent.
What are the major sources of heavy oil?
The largest reserves of heavy crude oil in the world are in only a few countries. Canada and Venezuela are prominent among them. Apart from this, Russia is also a country where heavy oil is present in large quantities. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, which are still underground.
This is where geopolitics comes in
According to Sky News report, America is eyeing the same heavy and thick oil of Venezuela, which is best suited for its refineries. This is the reason why Maduro’s arrest cannot be seen only from the angle of drug smuggling. This is also a matter related to energy security, strategic interdependence and global balance of power.
Is oil the real gamechanger?
Experts believe that Venezuelan oil is not only an economic resource for America but also a strategic weapon. If America’s control or influence on this oil increases, it can bring a big change in global energy politics. This is why questions are being raised across the world regarding Maduro’s arrest that the real reason is not drugs, but oil.
Also read: US-Venezuela Military: If there is a war with America, how long will the Venezuelan army last? See military comparison of the two countries.