Oil prices rise on uncertainty over Venezuela’s oil supply

The U.S. has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move that threatens to exacerbate the country's already fragile economy, which is on the brink of hyperinflation. This seizure is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government amid ongoing political turmoil.

Venezuela's oil production has significantly declined, prompting the government to assert that former President Donald Trump is interested in its oil resources. The country's output challenges are compounded by political instability and economic turmoil, making recovery difficult.

Oil prices have risen due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly following the U.S. seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela, which has led to a temporary increase in oil futures. However, the market is still set for a weekly decline as concerns about oversupply persist.

The U.S. military has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, a move confirmed by President Donald Trump. This operation is part of a broader strategy aimed at increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, amidst ongoing tensions in the region.

Oil futures settled lower as market concerns about oversupply outweighed geopolitical tensions, including the recent U.S. seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. This decline follows a previous session where oil prices had seen gains, highlighting the volatility in the market.

The U.S. government has announced plans to take oil from a vessel seized off the coast of Venezuela, with the ship expected to head to a U.S. port as investigators interview the crew members. This action reflects the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly amid heightened military presence in the region.

The U.S. is reportedly preparing to seize additional oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela following the recent seizure of a ship, which has heightened tensions between the two nations. This action reflects ongoing U.S. military operations aimed at curbing Venezuelan oil exports amid a backdrop of political instability in the country.

US equity futures declined following Oracle's disappointing earnings report, which revealed a significant drop in cloud sales and a surge in AI spending. This comes after the S&P 500 experienced its largest gain on a Fed decision day since March, highlighting investor volatility. Additionally, US forces seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela's coast, escalating geopolitical tensions.