ORANJESTAD – Aruba will not pursue Venezuelan oil as part of its economic development strategy, Aruban Prime Minister Mike Eman said this week, rejecting proposals from the local opposition that sought to explore reopening the island’s defunct refinery amid regional changes in the oil sector.
Eman’s statement directly counters suggestions by the MEP opposition party that Aruba could benefit from renewed links to Venezuela’s oil industry following heightened tensions between the Venezuelan government and the United States. The opposition has argued that shifting geopolitics present an opportunity for Aruba to revive refinery operations and spur economic growth.
However, Eman made clear that Aruba has no interest in importing or processing Venezuelan oil, emphasizing that both American and Venezuelan political representatives are welcome on the island — but not Venezuelan crude. The premier reiterated his government’s commitment to a future focused on sustainability, innovation and green energy, stating that there is neither appetite nor space on the island for polluting industries.
His position aligns with previous government announcements that the historic Lago refinery in San Nicolas — once among the world’s largest — will not be revived. Instead, the facility is being permanently dismantled, and the land is being prepared for redevelopment in line with clean economic goals.
The refinery played a pivotal role in Aruba’s 20th-century economy, processing oil for global markets and contributing significantly to the island’s industrial base. However, after decades of decline and evolving economic priorities, the current government has chosen to close that chapter and pivot toward renewable energy and environmentally sustainable development.
Aruba’s stance contrasts with approaches in neighboring Curaçao, where recent developments in Venezuelan oil flows have been embraced as an economic opportunity. Last week, Curaçao received its first shipment of Venezuelan crude at the request of the United States, and the Curaçao Port Authority has indicated interest in using new regional dynamics to stimulate refinery activity and related job creation.
For Aruba, however, the path forward remains firmly rooted in clean energy and green economic transformation.