Abinader weighs resuming fuel purchases from Venezuela

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader is considering resuming direct fuel purchases from Venezuela after a meeting with the acting president of the South American country, Delcy Rodríguez, according to the outlet AlbertoNews, which reported this on October 12, 2026.

The meeting between the two leaders took place in Rome, Italy, on the sidelines of the World Food Forum of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). During the talks, which centered on energy cooperation, consular relations and tourism, Abinader said the discussions focused on the specific purchase of AC30 and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The terms of these commercial transactions will be addressed directly by the authorities of the Dominican Petroleum Refinery (Refidomsa) and Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). This possible commercial rapprochement comes after diplomatic channels were restored and the Dominican consulate in Caracas reopened, following a period of tension stemming from the presidential elections held in Venezuela in July 2024.

For her part, Rodríguez thanked the Dominican Republic for its support during the emergency caused by the double earthquake that struck on June 24, highlighting the swift response of the Dominican rescue team and medical personnel. Rodríguez also said Venezuela will soon appoint a consul in Santo Domingo to serve its community.