The Maduro government has been courting European partners, though companies remain wary of possible US sanctions. : The Maduro government has been courting European partners, though companies remain wary of possible US sanctions. Mérida, June 17, 2023 (venezuelanalysis.com) – The Venezuelan oil sector has continued to raise its output levels amidst tight US sanctions. The latest monthly report from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) placed Venezuela’s May output at 735,000 barrels per day (bpd), according to secondary sources. The figure rose by 9,000 bpd compared to the previous month.