U.S. Tanker Seizure Has Paralyzed Venezuelan Oil Shipping—Except Chevron’s

The Wall Street JournalWednesday, December 17, 2025 at 1:00:00 AM
U.S. Tanker Seizure Has Paralyzed Venezuelan Oil Shipping—Except Chevron’s
  • The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, leading to significant disruptions in Venezuelan oil shipping, with many vessels either idling at ports or avoiding the region altogether. However, Chevron continues its operations without interruption, highlighting a stark contrast in the impact of U.S. sanctions on different entities.
  • This seizure poses risks to over 30 sanctioned ships operating in the region and reflects escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly amid ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela. Chevron's ability to maintain its operations may provide it with a competitive edge in the volatile market.
  • The seizure of the tanker is part of a broader U.S. strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government, which heavily relies on oil exports for its economy. The incident has raised concerns about the stability of the Venezuelan economy, already facing hyperinflation, and has led to Chevron lowering the price of Venezuelan crude, indicating the complex interplay of geopolitics and market dynamics.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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