Oil and gas fall after US capture of Maduro; analysts say Bitcoin could benefit

Beincrypto reports oil and natural gas prices fell after the US captured Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, a move that market participants said prompted a rapid reassessment of future supply after Washington announced a large-scale operation on January 3. Trading opened with energy prices moving lower: The Kobeissi Letter noted natural gas declined roughly 6% within 15 minutes of futures trading opening, and oil slipped below $57 per barrel, near levels last seen in 2021.

The reaction followed expectations that US control of Venezuela’s energy sector could add supply; Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, about 20% of global reserves and valued at $17 trillion, and an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In a public address, President Donald Trump said US oil companies would invest to restore production.

Analysts outlined a possible liquidity rotation as energy costs fall, with market analyst Eric Fung saying traders and private equity might shift funds into alternative assets including gold, silver and digital assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Another analyst argued US actions could erode trust in fiat tied to state power and increase demand for seizure‑resistant, non‑sovereign assets like Bitcoin.

Key Topics

Crypto, Bitcoin, Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, Donald Trump, Oil Reserves