CARACAS, Dec. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- The Venezuelan government announced Wednesday that the country will increase oil production by 66 percent in the coming five years.

    Foreign Minister Ali Rodriguez said Venezuela plans to raise crude oil production from 3 million to 5 million barrels per day during the same period.

    The United States is the largest consumer of Venezuelan oil, absorbing about 85 percent of its export. Venezuelan oil accounts for 12 to 15 percent of the total consumption in the United States.Enditem