While Venezuela sits on the world's largest proven oil reserves, the country produces far less oil than the U.S. However, it's the type of oil found in Venezuela that explains America's interest. Most of America's refineries are set up to process heavy crude oil (under 30 degrees API),

The physical and chemical differences between these crude types determine how easy they are to refine and their market value.

Most analysts think the world currently makes more oil than it needs — and the kind of oil abundant in Venezuela is a particularly hard-to-refine type of crude. So would U.S. companies even want it?

The global energy landscape is set to witness a historic turning point following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by the US forces on January 3 and US President Donald Trump’s announcement

President Donald Trump wants to tap into Venezuela's oil reserves. Here's what to know about the country's oil industry.

Crude prices are low. Companies are being cautious. But huge reserves — particularly of the heavy, viscous oil Venezuela has in abundance — remain appealing.

Speaking after a U.S. strike that led to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Trump said American firms would “fix” the country’s oil industry.

US President Donald Trump says now that Nicolas Maduro is gone, more US oil companies will enter Venezuela and spend billions revitalizing its oil industry. Several key questions have to be answered.

For oil markets, Venezuela is a footnote in an age of abundance. For Middle East, the US move is a dangerous reminder.

The U.S. Senate is due to ‌consider ​a resolution on Thursday that would ‌block President Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without congressional authorization, and ​backers said the measure could pass in a close vote.