Gas Flaring in Venezuela: Environmental and Economic Consequences

Venezuela is experiencing significant gas flaring, a process where natural gas produced during oil extraction is burned off, leading to environmental degradation and economic losses. This practice is particularly prevalent in the northeastern state of Monagas, where satellite imagery reveals a bright patch at night, indicating extensive gas flaring activities. According to the World Bank, Venezuela ranks fifth globally for total gas flaring, and second in intensity per barrel of oil extracted, following Syria.

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The high levels of gas flaring in Venezuela are attributed to a lack of investment in necessary infrastructure. Gilberto Morillo, an energy consultant and former employee of the state oil company PDVSA, estimates that approximately 50% of the gas produced during oil extraction is burned, a significant increase from around 10% during his tenure. This inefficiency results in substantial financial losses for the country, as the gas could be utilized for various purposes, including domestic use and industrial applications. An investigation by Connectas highlighted that PDVSA loses millions of dollars annually due to gas flaring and venting.

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Gas flaring has severe health and environmental repercussions. Fernando Morales, an environmental expert at Simon Bolivar University, notes that the burning of gas contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and produces harmful pollutants, including soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Residents in Monagas have reported health issues such as respiratory problems and cancer linked to pollution from oil infrastructure. The flares also create light, sound, and thermal pollution, disrupting local communities.

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Residents of Monagas have expressed frustration over the gas shortages they face, despite witnessing gas being flared. A former resident of Maturín recounted a period in 2017 when they went nine months without gas, while flares burned continuously. Carlos Piccinoni, a local resident, described the flares as creating a yellow light in the sky at night, which is so bright that it can illuminate the surroundings even without headlights.

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In January 2026, the Venezuelan parliament approved reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aimed at attracting private investment in the oil sector. This legislative change, influenced by the United States, has led to the easing of some sanctions. Experts like Morillo believe that increased investment could modernize infrastructure, enhance production, and potentially reduce gas flaring. He estimates that with sufficient investment, Venezuela could triple its oil production to three million barrels per day within eight to nine years.

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• “This produces CO 2 , which leads to global warming.” — Fernando Morales, Environmental Expert

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• “But at night, there is a yellow light in the sky, which comes from flares located 30 kilometres from here.” — Carlos Piccinoni, Local Resident

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The ongoing practice of gas flaring in Venezuela presents a complex interplay of economic inefficiency, environmental degradation, and public health risks. As the country seeks to reform its oil sector and attract investment, the potential for reducing gas flaring and its associated impacts remains a critical issue for both the environment and the Venezuelan economy.

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