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According to IPD Latin America estimates, Venezuela's refinery throughput has been less than 300,000 b/d, or roughly one-fifth of its nameplate capacity.17 Venezuela has worked with Iran to supply fuel as well as refining materials, spare parts, and technicians to restart the refineries.
Despite the sizeable reserves, Venezuela produced 0.8% of total global crude oil in 2023. Most of Venezuela's proven oil reserves are extra-heavy crude oil from the Orinoco Belt.
Much of Venezuela's crude oil production capacity and infrastructure have suffered from a decade-long lack of capital and regular maintenance. Chevron's earlier exemption increased its production to 135,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2023, and we expect Chevron's output in Venezuela to reach 200,000 b/d by the end of 2024.
Of Venezuela's six refineries, only five remain operational, all running at no more than 20% of total capacity. The country's aging refining system, plagued by frequent shutdowns and low output, has deteriorated after years of underinvestment, poor management and international sanctions that have limited access to spare parts.
