[labard1]

Also, Venezuela has a major interest in at least one refinery in the US (which is specifically designed to process heavy Venezuelan crude) and a significant retail franchise (Citgo, I believe), so it would be even more costly for Venezuela to walk away from the US market. Doesn't mean it won't happen, but it would make no economic sense to do so.

[livius]

VZ is busy closing its Citgo franchises. They recently announced closings in several Midwestern states (and possibly Connecticut, IIRC).

[Ben Ficklin]

In addition to Venezuela owned Citgo, we also import distillates from Venezuela. Additionally, the HOVENSA refinery in the Virgin Islands is co-owned by Venesuela. This refinery, is dedicated to US demand.