Venezuela Releases Prominent Oil Consultant After Brief Detention

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Venezuela has released Evanan Romero, an 86-year-old Venezuelan-born, Houston-based oil consultant with US citizenship, after he was detained for four days in the western city of Maracaibo. Romero, who advises opposition leader María Corina Machado, was moved to a private clinic as a health precaution during his detention, which highlighted the persistent risks in Venezuela as the Washington-backed administration in Caracas seeks to revive the country's petroleum industry.

Why it matters

Romero's detention raised red flags about the investment climate and security concerns in Venezuela, which is trying to rebuild its crucial oil sector after years of economic and political turmoil. As an advisor to an opposition figure, Romero's case illustrates the ongoing political tensions and risks that foreign companies and experts face when operating in the country.

The details

Romero, a prominent oil consultant who has advised international oil companies, was arrested on Friday in Maracaibo and held for four days before being released on Tuesday. He was moved to a private clinic during his detention as a health precaution. Romero's detention highlighted the persistent risks and security concerns that continue to plague Venezuela's efforts to revive its crucial petroleum industry.

• Romero was arrested on Friday, February 14, 2026.
• Romero was released on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.