Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
Oil Registers Strong Increase in International Market After Donald Trump Decision to Block Sanctioned Tankers from Venezuela, Amid Lower Stocks in the USA and Global Uncertainties.
The international oil market regained momentum this Wednesday (17), after a series of recent losses. Prices rose more than 2% driven by a new geopolitical factor: the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a total blockade on all sanctioned tankers entering and exiting Venezuela.
The measure raised the level of uncertainty regarding the global supply of the commodity and changed investor sentiment early in the trading session.
Blockade on Tankers Reignites Fear About Global Supply
The determination announced by Trump provides for the complete blockade of sanctioned ships transporting Venezuelan oil. The decision was announced through a post on social media platform Truth Social, where the North American president adopted a tough tone against the government of Caracas.
-
Lula reveals a masterstroke by Petrobras to undo a deal made by Bolsonaro, which involves the return of an important refinery that currently produces less than half of what was expected and makes Brazil dependent on international diesel.
-
A study confirms that the natural gas sector will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil by 0.5% and accelerate the energy transition by 2026.
-
Petrobras implements a severe adjustment and confirms a 55% increase in the price of aviation kerosene with a proposal for installment payments for the companies.
-
The rise in oil prices could ensure an extra revenue of R$ 100 billion for the Federal Government, indicates a recent economic study.
“Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest navy ever assembled in the history of South America. It is only going to grow, and the shock for them will be unprecedented — until they return to the United States of America all the oil, land, and other assets they have stolen from us.”
Despite the immediate impact on prices, it is still unclear how many tankers will actually be affected by the measure. There are also no details on how the blockade will be implemented or whether the U.S. Coast Guard will be used to intercept vessels, as occurred recently.
The market reaction was swift. Futures contracts for Brent crude rose by US$ 1.41, or 2.4%, reaching US$ 60.33 per barrel around 7:18 a.m. (Brasília time). Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, a benchmark in the United States, rose by US$ 1.42, equivalent to 2.6%, to US$ 56.69 per barrel.
The upward movement comes after a previous session marked by strong selling pressure. On Tuesday, prices closed near the lowest levels in the last five years, influenced by the progress of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine Continue on the Radar
Before the announcement regarding Venezuela, the oil market had been under pressure from the prospect of a possible agreement between Moscow and Kiev.
An understanding between the two countries could result in the easing of Western sanctions against Russia, increasing the global supply of oil in an environment already marked by considered weak demand.
This factor still remains on investors’ radar. However, the blockade on Venezuelan tankers has introduced a new element of risk, capable of reducing export flows and generating temporary imbalances in the market.
Trump’s comments came about a week after the United States seized a sanctioned tanker near the coast of Venezuela.
In recent months, U.S. warships have also been sent to the region. Initially, the White House classified the operation as part of the fight against international drug trafficking.
Although many vessels transporting Venezuelan oil are under sanctions, other routes remain active. Tankers carrying crude oil from Iran and Russia, for example, are not included in the blockade. Additionally, ships chartered by Chevron continue to transport oil from Venezuela to the United States with authorization granted by Washington.
China Remains the Top Destination for Venezuelan Oil
Even under sanctions, Venezuela maintains relevant export channels. Currently, China is the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude oil, accounting for about 4% of Chinese imports.
Any more severe disruption in this flow could generate indirect effects on the global trade of the commodity.
The uncertainty regarding the extent of the blockade contributes to price volatility and keeps the market alert for new diplomatic and military developments.
Besides the geopolitical issue, recent data on stocks helped sustain the appreciation of oil. According to information from Reuters, based on data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), crude oil stocks in the United States fell by 9.3 million barrels last week.
The sharp decline surprised the market and reinforced the perception of tightening supply in the short term.
Thus, the combination of lower stocks and geopolitical risks elevated buying pressure on futures contracts, even in the face of global demand still considered moderate.
Seja o primeiro a reagir!