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. military's recent seizure of the Skipper, an oil tanker carrying 1.1 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, has significantly disrupted Venezuelan oil shipping, with many vessels either idling at ports or avoiding the region altogether. This operation, confirmed by President Trump, marks a notable escalation in U.S. efforts to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government.
  • For Chevron, however, operations continue as usual, highlighting a disparity in the impact of U.S. actions on different entities within the oil sector. This situation raises questions about the company's strategic positioning and its ability to navigate the complexities of U.S.-Venezuela relations.
  • The seizure reflects broader geopolitical tensions and ongoing U.S. sanctions against Venezuela, which have led to a sharp decline in oil exports from the country. As the U.S. prepares to potentially seize more tankers, the implications for Venezuela's economy and the Maduro regime's stability are profound, underscoring the high stakes involved in this international conflict.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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