Was Venezuela's oil production halted by the earthquake?

No, interim President Rodriguez confirmed operations continue uninterrupted.

What is the current daily production level?

Approximately 1.2 million barrels per day, growing at about 10% annually.

Where are the main oil-producing regions?

Lake Maracaibo in the northwest and the Orinoco Belt in the east.

How has oil production changed over time?

Peaked above 3 million barrels in the 2000s, dropped to 350,000 in 2020, now recovering.

Why is oil so important for Venezuela?

It is the primary source of national revenue and key to economic recovery.

Venezuela Earthquake Kills Over 4,500, Interim President Says Oil Production Unaffected

Published Jul 14, 2026 3:56 PM ・ Updated Jul 14, 2026 6:12 PM ・ 3 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Despite two powerful earthquakes in June that killed more than 4,500 people, Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that oil production remains uninterrupted. The country currently produces around 1.2 million barrels per day, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10%.

Central Message

(Central News Agency, Caracas, 13th –综合 foreign media report) Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez said today that two earthquakes last month, which caused over 4,500 deaths, have not affected the country's oil production.

According to AFP, Rodriguez stated that Venezuela holds the world's largest proven crude oil reserves, with current daily oil output at approximately 1.2 million barrels, growing by about 10% annually. The government remains confident in strong growth this year.

Crude oil production is Venezuela's primary source of income, concentrated in the northwestern Lake Maracaibo and the eastern Orinoco Belt.

Venezuela experienced consecutive earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 on June 24. The hardest-hit areas—La Guaira on the northern coast and the capital Caracas—lie between these two oil-producing regions.

Years of corruption and mismanagement have caused Venezuela's oil output to plummet over the past two decades, falling from a peak of over 3 million barrels per day in the early 2000s to a low of just 350,000 barrels in 2020. (Intern translator: Huang Yu-Han / Reviewer: Tsai Chia-Min) 1150714

Stand with the truth. Every sponsorship helps safeguard press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app to stay updated with the latest news.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.

FACT BOX

Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Venezuela Earthquake Kills Over 4,500, Interim President Says Oil Production Unaffected

⚡ Key Points

FACT BOX

Editorial & Verification Standards

FAQ

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY