Tankers Stack Up as Venezuela Sells Oil Faster Than Its Ports Can Handle

By Marianna Parraga

PUERTO LA CRUZ, Venezuela, Aug 21 (Reuters) – Venezuela’s dilapidated oil port terminals are imposing a de facto export cap on the country’s resurgent crude production, with tankers having to wait up to 30 days to load because of aging infrastructure, power outages and quality issues, according to shipping data, sources and documents.

The delays are putting roadblocks on a U.S. plan to quickly boost Venezuela’s oil exports following a flagship pact with global trading houses. The fight for infrastructure looks likely to intensify as many partners of state energy firm PDVSA get ready to market their share