14-08-08 Venezuela's state oil company PdVSA announced a new exploratory campaign to look specifically for lighter crudes in the states of Apure, Barinas, Guarico and Tachira.
Little oil activity has been undertaken in these states recently, with the bulk of Venezuela's production coming from Zulia, Anzoategui and Monagas.

PdVSA has said it needs to incorporate lighter crudes for blending with heavier stock left over after production of a patented boiler fuel Orimulsion was halted in 2005.
Orimulsion, used for thermal generation, was manufactured using water, different types of crude and other ingredients.

Of the 136 bn barrels Venezuela claims in proven reserves, around 70 bn barrels are medium to light crudes.
Its 316 bn-plus barrels probable reserves are all heavy and extra heavy crudes in the Orinoco belt.