Tag: US

The United States has signaled that India can resume buying crude oil from Venezuela, a source that was largely blocked due to US sanctions. US officials said Indian companies may import Venezuelan oil, but all sales and payments will be controlled and monitored by Washington. The detailed rules and approvals are still being finalized.

India was a regular buyer of Venezuelan crude before sanctions halted trade. With Indian refiners reducing Russian oil imports due to US pressure, Venezuelan oil offers a politically acceptable alternative. Reliance Industries, India’s largest refining company, said it would consider importing Venezuelan oil again once US regulatory approval is clear. Other refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum, have also expressed interest.

Earlier, Reliance received permits to import about 63,000 barrels per day of Venezuelan oil in early 2025. Imports stopped in May 2025 after tighter sanctions. Venezuelan crude is heavy and requires special processing, so Indian refiners are expected to start gradually once approvals are in place.

Experts say resuming Venezuelan oil imports could help India reduce dependence on Russian crude while staying within US rules. However, all shipments will remain under Washington’s oversight, meaning India cannot freely trade or sell the oil.

The move reflects a significant shift in US policy. By allowing India to buy Venezuelan oil under strict control, Washington maintains strategic oversight while opening an old trade route. For India, this could ease supply challenges, give refiners access to discounted heavy crude, and reduce reliance on other countries.

While promising, the process will take time. Indian refiners will wait for clear regulatory guidance and permits. The actual volumes and timeline for imports will depend on US approvals and Venezuela’s ability to supply the crude under international scrutiny.

In a move that could reshape global energy flows, President Donald Trump announced that Venezuela will hand over 30 to 50 million barrels of crude oil to the US. Speaking on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the oil would be sold at market prices, and the proceeds would be under US control, a step he described as benefiting both Americans and Venezuelans.

The transfer comes after recent political turmoil in Caracas, including a US operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The announcement marks a rare moment of direct cooperation with Venezuela’s interim authorities, who confirmed the handover but criticized foreign involvement, insisting their sovereignty must be respected.

Trump directed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to begin the process immediately. The plan is to move oil from Venezuelan storage ships directly to US ports, ensuring a smooth flow of high-quality crude. Experts say this injection of oil into the US supply chain could slightly ease prices at a time when energy markets remain volatile. At current rates, the transferred oil could be valued at around $2.8 billion, though final figures will depend on market conditions.

Beyond the numbers, the deal carries broader geopolitical implications. Analysts note that oil previously headed to other countries, including China, may now be redirected to the US, signaling a potential shift in global energy alliances. Trump framed the move as part of a strategy to stabilize markets and assert US influence in Venezuela’s energy sector.

As the first shipments prepare to leave Venezuelan ports, both nations are watching closely, aware that this deal could set the tone for future energy, trade, and diplomatic relations in the region.

It reflects a rare moment where political maneuvering and energy policy intersect in a tangible way, promising both economic impact and a test of how international agreements are executed in a tense, rapidly changing landscape.

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The US Coast Guard is actively pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, marking the third such interception attempt in less than two weeks, officials said. The vessel,  identified by maritime trackers as the Bella 1,  is part of what Washington calls Venezuela’s “dark fleet” of ships accused of helping the South American nation evade sanctions. The tanker is reportedly flying a false flag and is under a US judicial seizure order, though it had not been boarded at the time of reporting.

The pursuit follows recent seizures of other tankers believed to be involved in transporting Venezuelan crude in defiance of sanctions. On December 10, the Coast Guard seized the large tanker Skipper, sanctioned for its alleged involvement in sanctions‑evasion networks. A second vessel, the Centuries, was intercepted and boarded by US forces just days ago.

These operations form part of a blockade ordered by the US president on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan waters. The administration has positioned the crackdown as an effort to enforce sanctions on the Venezuelan government and cut off revenue it claims supports illicit activities, including narcotics trafficking and terrorism.

Officials argue that targeting these tankers is necessary to prevent sanctions evasion and deny revenue to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s government. They also assert that the actions are unlikely to significantly affect domestic oil prices, though global crude benchmarks rose modestly in early Asian trading amid the tensions.

The intensified maritime operations are occurring alongside a broader military presence in the Caribbean, including air and naval assets deployed under what officials describe as efforts against drug trafficking and sanctions runners. Critics,  including some lawmakers and international commentators, warn that the blockade and interceptions could increase geopolitical risks and strain diplomatic relations.

Venezuela’s government has condemned these actions as illegal and tantamount to piracy, promising to challenge the moves through international bodies such as the United Nations. Maduro has reiterated that Venezuela will continue its oil trade in the face of pressure.

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