Oil prices rise as mediators try to resolve Venezuelan crisis
Caracas, Venezuela-AP -- The world oil market is feeling the effects of a strike that's crippled the fifth-biggest oil exporter. Oil prices are rising today as the general strike called by opposition leaders in Venezuela enters its 51st day.
OPEC says it'll be tough to make up for shortages of Venezuelan oil in the United States, because many U-S refineries are designed to process the type of crude oil Venezuela pumps out.
Meantime, mediators are trying to end the strike, which is aimed at ousting President Hugo Chavez (OO'-goh CHAH'-vez).
They include former President Carter, who's met with Chavez and strike leaders.
Diplomats from six nations will meet in Washington on Friday to talk about how to resolve the crisis. They're part of a push called "Friends of Venezuela."