Petroleum and Politics: A Combustible Mix in Venezuela

Millions of motorists hit the road over the Memorial Day weekend, kicking off the summer driving season. Some might have been pleased that prices at the gas pump have finally started to fall since the spike that accompanied the invasion of Iraq. But before drivers -- or holders of short positions in unleaded gasoline futures -- become too convinced that prices will continue dropping, consider the smoldering situation in Venezuela, OPEC's third-largest producer.

Just last December, labor and opposition groups staged a nationwide strike in an attempt to remove Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez from office. Tanker captains joined strikers at state-owned oil monopoly Petroleos de Venezuela S.A., also known as PDVSA, and refused to move cargo.

Output from the oil-dependent country of 25 million inhabitants plunged to 200,000 barrels a day from a prestrike level of 3.2 million barrels a day. The reduction in supply from Venezuela spurred rallies in unleaded gasoline and crude oil that took prices more than 12% higher during the month. ...