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Venezuela's Oil Production Set to Surge, Says US Energy Official

A senior US energy official has predicted that Venezuelan oil output will more than double in coming years, marking a potential turnaround for a nation whose production has collapsed due to chronic underinvestment and mismanagement.

LSN India · 2 September 2026

Venezuela's Oil Production Set to Surge, Says US Energy Official

Venezuela's oil sector faces a pivotal moment as US energy authorities signal confidence in a significant production recovery. The forecast suggests output could exceed levels seen in recent decades, provided current trajectory continues.

Venezuelan crude production reached its zenith above 3 million barrels per day during the late 1990s, but subsequently experienced a dramatic decline. The contraction stemmed from a confluence of factors including inadequate capital investment in infrastructure, operational mismanagement, and the impact of international sanctions that have constrained the industry's capacity.

The anticipated production increase would represent a marked reversal of fortunes for Venezuela's hydrocarbon sector, which has long served as the nation's primary revenue source. Experts point to potential improvements in operational efficiency and investment dynamics as key drivers of the projected expansion.

For India and other major oil-importing nations, Venezuelan production trends carry significant implications for global energy markets and crude pricing. Any substantial increase in supply from the South American nation could influence regional energy security calculations and import strategies across Asia.