Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA has reportedly attempted to restart gasoline production at its 955,000 bpd Paraguana Refining Center (CRP) as the shortage of the fuel in the country gets even worse. CRP is Venezuela’s largest complex. It includes the 645,000 bpd Amuay and 310,000 bpd Cardon refineries as well as the 6,000 bpd Bajo Grande asphalt plant which has been out of service for several years.
CRP is running at 145,000 bpd, or 15.2% of capacity, with Amuay and Cardon operating at 90,000 bpd (14%) and 55,000 bpd (17.7%) of capacity, respectively. Only one of five Amuay CDUs is in service. Cardon also has only one of its four CDUs operating.
On September 5, PDVSA attempted to bring a 45,000 bpd naphtha reformer at Cardon refinery online after being shut down due to multiple failures in late August. However, a reactor failure forced the unit to shut again on September 6. An industry source said that it would need around two weeks for repairs. A report on August 21 stated Cardon refinery was producing 17,000 bpd of gasoline.
However, it remained insufficient to meet domestic requirements. Gasoline sales are rationed in Caracas and are not enough for every buyer in line. Gasoline shortages are reported to be more severe in the rest of the country.
