Oil production in Venezuela dropped 40,000 bpd in April, according to the International Energy Agency.

Therefore, Venezuelan oil output in April averaged 2.35 million bpd.

The Paris-based organization said migration of four strategic partnerships operating in heavy crude oil Orinoco belt to joint ventures where the Venezuelan state holds a majority stake has resulted in "uncertainty."

Last month, Orinoco heavy crude oil enhancing projects drilled only 455,000 bpd -compared to their 630,000 bpd capacity- because of both "nationalization" and compliance with an output cut under the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

According to IEA, in 2006 Venezuela pumped 2.56 million bpd -150,000 bpd lower than in the previous year. In the first quarter this year, average production was down 2.44 million bpd.

If the trend recorded in April remains unchanged, the Venezuelan oil production average is expected to drop further in the second quarter.