Oil Reacts to Geopolitical Tensions and Rises Over 2% After U.S. Blockade on Ships Linked to Venezuela

Written by Rannyson Moura

Published on 17/12/2025 at 08:50

Updated on 17/12/2025 at 08:53

Petróleo registra forte alta no mercado internacional após decisão de Donald Trump de bloquear petroleiros sancionados da Venezuela, em meio a estoques menores nos EUA e incertezas globais.

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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.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

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.

Ukraine Expands Geopolitical War and Turns Russian Oil Platforms Into New Attack Targets

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.

Oil Reacts to Geopolitical Tensions and Rises Over 2% After U.S. Blockade on Ships Linked to Venezuela

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.

Blockade on Tankers Reignites Fear About Global Supply

Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine Continue on the Radar

China Remains the Top Destination for Venezuelan Oil

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Oil Reacts to Geopolitical Tensions and Rises Over 2% After U.S. Blockade on Ships Linked to Venezuela

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.

Blockade on Tankers Reignites Fear About Global Supply

Negotiations Between Russia and Ukraine Continue on the Radar

China Remains the Top Destination for Venezuelan Oil

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