environmentneutral

Venezuela's Oil Problem: A Darker Shade of Black

VenezuelaTuesday, January 6, 2026
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Venezuela sits on a mountain of oil, the biggest in the world. But it's not the kind you want.

A Heavy Burden

  • Thick, heavy, and full of sulfur
  • Harder to refine
  • Worse for the environment

Before the crisis, Venezuela was pumping out millions of barrels a day. Now, it's a fraction of that.

The Environmental Nightmare

Venezuela's oil is extra-heavy:

  • Sticky and full of climate-damaging substances
  • Requires more effort and money to refine
  • Releases more greenhouse gases when burned

The Orinoco Belt Challenge

  • Huge area in eastern Venezuela
  • Refining process is more complicated
  • Environmental impact is bigger

The Struggle Continues

Venezuela's oil industry is in deep trouble:

  • Economic crisis
  • Dirtier oil
  • Harder to refine
  • Worse for the planet

With production down, the country is struggling. But it's not just about the money—it's about the environment.

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