The United States expects Venezuela, its fourth supplier of crude, to keep on supplying petroleum, a senior US official said here Wednesday.

After holding a meeting with the Rotary Club of Venezuela, US Ambassador to Venezuela William Brownfield expressed his hope that an eventual cut in the supply of Venezuelan oil to the United States does not occur, as the two countries are natural partners for geographic reasons.

Meanwhile, Brownfield also indicated that the United States would consider other suppliers if Venezuela eventually suspends crude supply.

Relations between Caracas and Washington have been tense since Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez took office.

Chavez has repeatedly accused Washington of planning to assassinate him and initiate a military intervention against Venezuela, which is the world's fifth-largest oil exporter and produces more than 3 million barrels of crude oil a day.

About 15 percent of oil imported by the United States comes from Venezuela.