UPDATE 1-Venezuela says no need for OPEC to boost output

(Adds energy minister's comment, other details)

CARACAS, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Venezuela's energy minister reiterated on Wednesday he does not believe OPEC needs to increase output to tame high oil prices despite pressure for a hike from consumer nations, especially the United States.

The leftist government of anti-U.S. President Hugo Chavez is a price hawk in OPEC and has repeatedly said the export group should agree to keep output capped during a meeting next month.

"We do not think it is necessary. It's not justified. There is enough inventory, enough output," Energy Minister Rafael Ramirez told reporters.

The United States, which is Venezuela's biggest oil customer, is concerned high oil prices could hurt its economy, which many economists believe is set for recession.

Ramirez dismissed concern that a weak U.S. economy would reduce its demand for energy and lower its imports from Venezuela. He said the No. 4 oil exporter to the United States was not worried about America's problems. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago; Writing by Saul Hudson, editing by Matthew Lewis)