The Venezuelan president is believed to have discussed the secretary-general issue with other heads of state. The appointment of a Venezuelan as secretary-general rewards President Chavez for bringing Venezuela back into the OPEC fold. Although a founding member of the organization, Venezuela's oil industry expansion plans under the previous administration had barely acknowledged OPEC's crude output agreements, and the country was one of the foremost quota-busters in the organization. Although a series of output cuts in 1998 and 1999 aimed at reversing a steep price collapse were initiated partly by the previous Venezuelan administration, under Chavez Venezuela became virtually a model OPEC member. The choice of Rodriguez reflects Venezuela's commitment to OPEC, one of the country's OPEC delegates said.
Supply See production .