Drivers wait six days to buy fuel in Venezuela border region

Venezuelans in border areas are waiting up to six days to fill their cars and some report paying bribes to jump ahead in lines, signalling a return of crippling fuel shortages that have dogged the struggling OPEC nation for much of the year. Despite having the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela's hyperinflationary economy is suffering widespread fuel shortages resulting from slumping oil output and chronic refinery problems.

It is not immediately evident why the shortages have become more acute in recent days. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has blamed U.S. sanctions for weakening the country's economy and crippling its oil industry. Between January and August, Venezuela's crude production fell 60%, according to unofficial PDVSA figures.