A Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia, But Surprisingly Its Production Is 12 Times Lower

Written by Rafaela Fabris

Published on 19/08/2024 at 13:56

Updated on 20/08/2024 at 16:54

Região da América Latina que tem mais petróleo que toda a Arábia Saudita (Imagem: Reprodução)

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Venezuela: The Largest Oil Treasure in the World Hidden in a Region of Latin America, But With Production Below Expectations.

There is a region in Latin America that has more oil than all of Saudi Arabia, but incredibly, it produces 12 times less. We are talking about Venezuela, more specifically the Orinoco Oil Belt, a true black treasure buried in the eastern part of the country. Although it houses the largest oil reserves on the planet, this wealth faces a series of obstacles that hinder its full exploration.

Venezuela not only has oil, it has A LOT of oil. We are talking about 300.878 billion barrels in proven reserves, which puts the country ahead of giants like Saudi Arabia, which has “only” 267 billion barrels. Sounds like a dream, right? But the reality is different: Venezuela, which once produced 3 million barrels a day, now barely manages to extract 770,000 barrels from the ground daily. That’s less than countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, which have much smaller reserves.

Orinoco Oil Belt

The Orinoco Oil Belt is where the magic (or lack thereof) happens. Spanning 55,314 km², this area concentrates 90% of Venezuela’s oil. But it is not easy to extract. It is heavy, extra-heavy, and has a viscosity that complicates the life of any engineer. Jorge Navarro, vice president of the Spanish Association of Oil Geologists and Geophysicists, explains that this type of oil requires special techniques, such as steam injection or the use of diluents, to be extracted and processed. And that is expensive, very expensive.

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Venezuelan Oil is More Expensive to Transport and Refine

Now, think about this: in addition to being difficult to extract, Venezuelan oil is more expensive to transport and refine. And, as if that weren’t enough, it is sold at a lower price than light oil. Venezuelans have to pay for diluents, chemicals that make this oil easier to handle. In other words, it’s a complicated business and it hits the pocket.

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The United States Provided a Breather and Suspended Sanctions on the Venezuelan Oil Sector

But not everything is bad news. In 2023, the United States provided a breather and suspended sanctions on the Venezuelan oil sector for six months. This brought a breath of hope, allowing foreign companies to begin returning to the Orinoco Belt. However, in April 2024, sanctions returned, but with a slight opening: now, foreign companies can obtain individual licenses to invest in the region. It is a sign that the game may change, but there is still a lot of work ahead.

The Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia Needs to Overcome These Obstacles

Venezuela has a big challenge ahead if it wants to transform its immense potential into reality. Modernizing infrastructure, attracting foreign investments, and stabilizing the economy are essential steps for the country to finally take advantage of its huge oil reserves. The region of Latin America that has more oil than all of Saudi Arabia needs to overcome these obstacles to stop being just a sleeping giant and become a true energy powerhouse.

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So, what do you think about this situation? Will Venezuela be able to overcome all these challenges and become an oil powerhouse?

9 Comments

most recent

older Most voted

Carlos Barbosa

#39692

22/08/2024 14:14

Com o fim do lastro em ouro acordado em Bretton Woods, Nixon inventou o “petrodólar” p/ salvar a credibilidade da moeda. Mas, para isso, todo o comércio com petróleo deveria ser feito em dólares e quem não o fizesse seria atacado politica ou militarmente, como ocorreu com o Iraque, Líbia, Siria, Venezuela.
Por isso pretendem tb o petróleo russo do Cáucaso, via Ucrânia.

Respond

Eduardo diaz

#38687

20/08/2024 21:50

Leste? .será que estudaram geografia?

Respond

Edenor Antônio Fiori

#38551

20/08/2024 15:21

O interesse dos Americanos no petróleo Venezuelano é muito grande.

-1

Respond

A Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia, But Surprisingly Its Production Is 12 Times Lower

Venezuela: The Largest Oil Treasure in the World Hidden in a Region of Latin America, But With Production Below Expectations.

Orinoco Oil Belt

Venezuelan Oil is More Expensive to Transport and Refine

The United States Provided a Breather and Suspended Sanctions on the Venezuelan Oil Sector

The Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia Needs to Overcome These Obstacles

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A Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia, But Surprisingly Its Production Is 12 Times Lower

Venezuela: The Largest Oil Treasure in the World Hidden in a Region of Latin America, But With Production Below Expectations.

Orinoco Oil Belt

Venezuelan Oil is More Expensive to Transport and Refine

The United States Provided a Breather and Suspended Sanctions on the Venezuelan Oil Sector

The Region of Latin America That Has More Oil Than All of Saudi Arabia Needs to Overcome These Obstacles

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