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[BUSINESS] · United States, Venezuela · 21 sources

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Venezuela oil exports to US reach 500,000 barrels per day

Venezuela is experiencing a significant shift in its energy sector, with approximately half of its total oil output—over 500,000 barrels per day—now being exported to the United States. US Under Secretary of Energy Kyle Haustveit noted that these exports are primarily destined for US Gulf Coast refineries specifically designed to process Venezuela's heavy, sour crude. Venezuela's total national output is estimated at roughly 1.25 million barrels per day, and PDVSA executive vice president Jovanny Martinez projects this could reach 1.245 million barrels per day by late August.

To support this production, the United States is sending more than 100,000 barrels per day of naphtha to Venezuela to be used as a diluent for heavy crude. International interest in the Venezuelan market is also rising. BP has commenced trading Venezuelan oil, with a tanker carrying 400,000 barrels of heavy fuel oil destined for Houston. Additionally, Venezuela has signed a production participation contract with the US-based Hunt Oil to develop the Caro and Carisito oil and gas fields, and has formed an alliance with SLB for integrated reservoir studies.

These developments occur amid a broader reconfiguration of energy ties. While production has seen growth, industry experts note that infrastructure remains a challenge due to years of underinvestment. Meanwhile, the private sector is seeing movement, such as Harry Sargeant III selling his stake in North American Blue Energy Partners for $300 million following the freezing of his assets by the US Treasury.

Entities

Alejandro Betancourt · BP · Bluewave Properties Ltd. · Harry Sargeant III · Hunt Oil · Kyle Haustveit · North American Blue Energy Partners · PDVSA · Paula Henao · U.S. Department of the Treasury · Venezuela

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