Hundreds of Venezuelans found themselves stranded this week as the nation’s gasoline supply ran out at stations throughout the nation’s urban centers, a stunning development in an OPEC nation believed to boast the world’s largest oil reserves.

According to the newspaper El Nacional, one-third of Venezuela’s 24 states – Miranda, Aragua, Lara, Barinas, Anzoátegui, Nueva Esparta, Bolívar, and Monagas – have reported significant shortages in gasoline for sale in stations throughout their cities. Hundreds of cars have been stranded on long lines at gas stations or in the middle of streets on their way to gas stations, distorting traffic flows and generally preventing city traffic from flowing smoothly.

Venezuelans speaking to media outlets expressed confusion and frustration at their inability to find a properly stocked gas station. “I have been to four or five gas stations and it has been impossible to fill my car,” José Torres of Caracas told reporters after finally finding one open gas station.

“Yesterday, I went to three filling stations and I couldn’t fill my tank,” student Freddy Bautista said on Thursday. “I’ve been waiting 30 minutes here, and it seems like I’ll be able to fill up today,” he added, in front of a gas station in east Caracas.

While Venezuela is naturally gifted with ample oil reserves – an estimated 298 billion barrels – its oil is extremely thick and requires extensive refining before being able to be sold as fuel. Venezuela’s socialist government relies on foreign entities to do the refining.

http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2017/03/24/venezuela-opec-nation-runs-gasoline/