THE HAGUE – The recent U.S. military intervention in Venezuela presents a unique opportunity to revive Curaçao’s long-dormant oil refinery, according to Dutch Member of Parliament Raymond de Roon (PVV). De Roon made his case during a special debate in the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs with Foreign Minister David van Weel on Thursday.
De Roon highlighted that Curaçao’s former Isla Oil Refinery was specifically equipped to process Venezuela’s heavy crude — a grade that most refineries around the world cannot handle without significant pre-processing. He argued that if Venezuelan crude begins flowing again under current U.S. control and marketing plans, Curaçao could be in a strategic position to resume refining activities, boosting employment and economic growth on the island.
The MP underscored that reopening the refinery could serve both regional and local interests, given its capacity and geographical proximity to Venezuela. Curaçao has long sought to capitalize on its oil infrastructure, which includes the Isla refinery site, deepwater Bullenbaai terminal, and related storage and bunker facilities — infrastructure that once served as a key hub for Venezuelan crude exports.
However, Minister Van Weel appeared skeptical about the proposal. He questioned whether the current state of the refinery — which has been largely idle since Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA stopped supplying crude after sanctions and the lease expired — makes it a worthwhile investment at this time. “Who knows in what condition it is?” the minister remarked, suggesting that uncertainty about the refinery’s physical state and future legal constraints could complicate any restart plans.
Van Weel also reminded lawmakers that decisions on energy infrastructure investments fall outside his ministry’s direct remit, implying that economic and regulatory considerations would need to be resolved at other levels of government.
Beyond the refinery debate, the session was dominated by broader concerns surrounding the legitimacy of the U.S. operation in Venezuela, the geopolitical risks posed by President Donald Trump’s actions, and the need for stronger coordination with international partners. Some MPs urged closer collaboration with France and the United Kingdom to underscore shared responsibility for the protection of overseas territories, while others called for better communication channels with the parliaments of Aruba and Curaçao.
Despite the political tensions, Minister Van Weel noted that tourism remains stable in the islands, that there have been no significant economic disruptions, and that there is no indication of a new exodus of Venezuelans to the ABC islands at this time. He described the current situation as “back to normal,” while also affirming that the government is using the current crisis as an opportunity to strengthen preparedness for future emergencies.
The debate reflects growing interest in linking Curaçao’s economic infrastructure with emerging geopolitical developments in the region. If U.S. control over Venezuelan oil exports continues and major oil traders such as Vitol and Trafigura deepen their involvement, Curaçao’s dormant refinery and logistics facilities could emerge as crucial assets — provided the right legal frameworks and investments are secured.
For now, however, the idea of a refinery revival remains a political proposal, pending technical assessments, financial backing and regulatory clearance — particularly from U.S. authorities whose sanctions and licences have historically shaped Curaçao’s oil sector.