Eni and Repsol Struggle to Recover $6 Billion in Gas Payments from Venezuela, FT Reports

European energy giants **Eni** of Italy and **Repsol** of Spain are facing significant difficulties recovering around **$6 billion in unpaid gas payments from Venezuela**, according to a *Financial Times* report cited by Reuters. Both companies have supplied large quantities of gas and **naphtha** — a key diluent used to transport Venezuela’s heavy crude oil — through their 50‑50 joint venture in the **Perla offshore field** operated locally by Cardón IV. The unpaid debts stem partly from U.S. sanctions and changes in how payments can be made. Previously, Venezuela’s state oil firm PDVSA could compensate partners through oil swaps under sanctions relief, but U.S. authorities reportedly informed Eni last March that such arrangements would no longer be permitted, hindering repayment options. People familiar with the issue told the FT that European firms feel a lack of urgency from U.S. officials in resolving the payment problem, which is complicating efforts to secure the billions owed. Neither Eni, Repsol, nor the U.S. Treasury responded immediately to requests for comment. #Venezuela #Eni #Repsol #EnergyDebtRecovery #SlimScan #GrowthStocks #CANSLIM