Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves, about 303.2 billion barrels according to the OPEC Annual Statistical Bulletin 2025. Oil dominates the country’s economy and public finances, so swings in oil prices and policy hit Venezuela harder than most producers.
Venezuela is a founding member of OPEC. Hugo Chavez governed for 14 years until his death in 2013, expanding the state’s role in the oil industry during his time in office.
After oil prices fell sharply in 2014-2016, Venezuela’s oil production declined and the economy shrank. The United States imposed sanctions that restricted oil exports. Millions of Venezuelans have left the country in recent years.
Venezuela also has a long-running border dispute with Guyana over the Essequibo region. In December 2023 Venezuela held a referendum on its claim, and the case is before the International Court of Justice.
Anyone studying Venezuela’s oil politics should read current reporting from established outlets and international agencies, since the situation changes quickly and older figures go stale fast.
Compare energy politics through our articles on Mediterranean oil management in Libya, Caribbean energy economics in Trinidad and Tobago, and petroleum engineering in Kuwait, plus Venezuelan perspectives on higher learning.

