Home / Business and Economy / Venezuela Refineries Surge to 35% Capacity Amid Fuel Demand
Venezuela Refineries Surge to 35% Capacity Amid Fuel Demand
20 Feb
Summary
- Venezuelan refineries now operate at 35% capacity, up from last year.
- Paraguana Refining Center processes 287,000 bpd at five units.
- Venezuela imports U.S. naphtha to supplement domestic fuel production.
Venezuela's refining network is currently operating at about 35% of its 1.29 million barrels per day installed capacity. This represents an improvement from last year's 20%-25% operation, yet it remains a low volume for meeting domestic fuel consumption.
The state energy company, PDVSA, is working to maintain its key fuel-making plants. The Paraguana Refining Center, the nation's largest complex, is processing 287,000 bpd across five distillation units, recovering from a recent power blackout.
Other facilities like Puerto la Cruz and El Palito are also operational. PDVSA has adjusted crude upgraders to ensure feedstock for refineries. Furthermore, Venezuela is supplementing domestic production with imports of U.S. naphtha.
