What if Venezuela stops shipping to U.S.?

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accused Washington on Jan. 13 of repeatedly trying to smear his government and asked hypothetically what would happen if he decided to halt oil shipments to the United States.

Chavez said the latest slight was the Jan. 13 attempt by the U.S. to block the purchase of 12 transport planes from Spain — a decision announced by U.S. officials who said they were concerned Venezuela could contribute to “destabilization” in Latin America.

“Every day we send them 1.5 million barrels of oil, every day,” Chavez said. “What would happen if tomorrow I were to say that no ship leaves for the United States?”

“How high would the price of a barrel go? I think it could hit US$100,” said Chavez, whose country is the world’s fifth largest oil exporter.

Chavez made clear the idea isn’t being considering at present, but suggested it was possible if the U.S. were to try to oust him.

“I don’t want to do it, but war is war,” Chavez said, adding “the best thing is for us to understand each other in peace.”

Chavez has repeatedly accused Washington of trying to oust him, while U.S. officials firmly deny it.

—The Associated Press