The Venezuelan government has requested location and other details from Trinidad and Tobago about the first field tests to be conducted by Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM) in an ultra-deepwater block it was awarded earlier this year, Reuters reported Tuesday.
Venezuelan oil minister Delcy Rodriguez reportedly demanded information on Exxon’s (NYSE:XOM) plans, including if potential finds could extend into Venezuela’s territory, in a meeting she called with Trinidad’s acting head of its mission to Caracas.
Trinidad is prepared to inform Venezuela about a seismic survey Exxon (XOM) plans next year, but will not provide further details about the work plan or say if there is potential for a discovery extending into Venezuela, since none has been made, according to the report.
The block is near the maritime border with Venezuela and northwest of the prolific Stabroek block Exxon (XOM) operates in nearby Guyana.
On Monday, Venezuela suspended a wide energy pact with Trinidad, including several joint gas projects, after President Maduro criticized what he called the country’s pro-U.S. stance.