Maduro and OPEC secretary on world oil production

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Wednesday opposed international sanctions against Russia as he welcomed the head of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Al-Ghais, a former executive of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and an advisor of six Kuwaiti oil ministers, was elected secretary general and took office on August 1. Al-Ghais said the availability of Venezuelan oil had an "essential role in supplying the world" and meeting energy needs. Maduro highlighted the role of the organization in facing the erratic behavior of the oil market as a consequence of global conflict.Venezuela's oil production and refined products dropped due to the state of infrastructure and the international sanctions, although it is beginning to show signs of recovery.