PDVSA Refining Runs at a Third of Capacity Even as Venezuela’s Crude Output Recovers
Venezuela's PDVSA refines only about a third of its capacity, near 399,000 bpd, even as crude output recovers to its highest since 2019. The post PDVSA Refining Runs at a Third of Capacity Even as Venezuela’s Crude Output Recovers appeared first on The Rio Times .
The Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA, currently operates refineries at only one-third of their full capacity, despite crude output quietly recovering. In April 2026, PDVSA processed around 399,000 barrels of crude per day, which represents roughly 31% of its installed capacity. This decline is due to years of neglected maintenance, loss of skilled workers, and US sanctions, which cut off key suppliers and revenue.
Despite producing about 1.1 million barrels of crude per day in early 2026, the highest level since 2019, the country continues to import refined products as its refineries remain underperforming.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
