Orinoco Energy

Venezuela is best known for having the largest proven oil reserves: 303 billion barrels of crude, which is 17.5% of the world's total.

264.4 billion barrels of mostly heavy crude are found in the Orinoco Oil Belt. Heavy crude is expected to remain relevant in an energy transition, since it is suitable for asphalt, petrochemicals and other products besides fuels.

Venezuela also has natural gas reserves of 223.8 trillion cubic feet. These represent 3.2% of the world's total and 77% of Latin America. Most production is associated with oil extraction. Unlike oil, this sector is almost untapped and does not require state participation.

For live market data, detailed reports, and the stakeholder list enter the MEMBER ZONE.

Crude oil reserves

Crude oil reserves, billion barrels (2019, BP)

DATA

All the metrics you need to know, in one place.

Export data

Here we present data relevant to exports, including prices and volumes.

Merey discount

Difference in US dollars per barrel, between the average monthly price of Merey crude against the Brent benchmark. Source: OPEC.

Oil exports

Barrels per day, monthly average. Source: Reuters.

Oil production

Crude oil production data from the monthly OPEC report.

"Secondary sources"

Thousand barrels per day, monthly average.

"Direct communication"

Thousand barrels per day, monthly average.

GEOGRAPHY

A bird’s eye view on the oil and gas sector.

Oil

Crude oil reserves

Crude oil reserves, million barrels (2010, PDVSA)

Share of output

Production in average kb/d (May 2024, PDVSA)

Natural gas

News and insights

Our latest updates and reports about Venezuela’s oil and gas industry.

BP and Trinidad receive OFAC license for new Venezuela project
Elias Ferrer Breda Elias Ferrer Breda

BP and Trinidad receive OFAC license for new Venezuela project

Trinidad and Tobago received a “specific license” from the US Treasury’s OFAC to develop a new gas project in Cocuina-Manakin field. The offshore reservoir is shared between the island nation and Venezuela and involves BP and Trinidad’s National Gas Company.

Read More