Rubio Urges Reliance to Expand Venezuelan Oil Refining and Production
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would encourage India’s Reliance Industries to refine more Venezuelan crude oil at its Indian refineries and explore opportunities to resume oil production in Venezuela. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai on October 20, Rubio said the discussions would focus on the company’s substantial refining capabilities and potential opportunities in the South American country.
Reliance operates the Jamnagar refining complex in Gujarat, which has a combined capacity of approximately 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day. Its refineries can process Venezuela’s heavy crude oil, and the company has become a significant importer of Venezuelan oil. Rubio is also scheduled to meet Indian government and business leaders, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani, during his visit.
Rubio’s visit comes as India and the United States move closer to finalising a trade agreement. US President Donald Trump recently waived potential tariffs linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil, a decision that drew criticism from some American lawmakers. Rubio said trade negotiations were nearing completion, with discussions focused on technical details, and expressed hope that the outstanding issues between the two countries would be resolved in the coming weeks.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright
