US EditionU.S. Tanker Seizure Expected to Drive Steeper Black-Market Discounts on Venezuelan Oil, Increasing Pressure on Maduro
The seizure aims to cut Venezuelan oil revenue by targeting a shadow fleet tanker carrying 2 million barrels, pressuring buyers to demand higher discounts, analysts say.
- On Dec. 10, 2025 U.S. forces boarded a supertanker from helicopters and seized the vessel, with Attorney General Pam Bondi releasing footage as officials signalled more seizures to target Venezuelan oil revenues.
- Following months of U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean, the White House signalled a sanctions-enforcement campaign targeting sanction-busting networks.
- The seized tanker, reportedly the 20-year-old Skipper, can carry around 2 million barrels, was sanctioned in 2022 linked to Viktor Artemov, and Venezuela uses a shadow fleet with false flags and transshipments via Malaysia to China.
- Black-Market buyers will likely demand larger discounts and reduce prepayments, further choking off Venezuelan government revenue that relies on oil for over 50% of income.
- Despite the seizure, global prices barely moved since Venezuela makes up around 1% of the global oil market, while Reuters reported around 30 other tankers face sanctions near Venezuela.
14 Articles
14 Articles
U.S. Tanker Seizure Expected to Drive Steeper Black-Market Discounts on Venezuelan Oil, Increasing Pressure on Maduro
The U.S. seizure of a supertanker loaded with Venezuelan crude is expected to force black-market buyers to demand even deeper discounts, further tightening financial pressure on authoritarian
Caribbean Crackdown: U.S. Targets ‘Shadow Fleet’ In Major Escalation Against Maduro
The United States is preparing to intercept more oil tankers off the Venezuelan coast, signaling a sharp intensification of the Trump administration’s campaign to oust Nicolas Maduro. The move follows a successful seizure operation carried out by U.S. forces on Wednesday, according to sources speaking with Reuters. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the […] Caribbean Crackdown: U.S. Targets ‘Shadow Fleet’ In Major Escalation …
The Conversation
Black-market oil buyers will push Venezuela for bigger discounts following US seizure – starving Maduro of much-needed revenue
Venezuela relies on the black-market oil trade for a large chunk of its revenue. US enforcement actions may push down the price it can charge, further squeezing the country’s economy.
Sanctions To Military Action, How US-Venezuela Relations Have Worsen
The seizure of an oil tanker off Venezuela's coast this week comes after long-standing tensions between Washington and Caracas, starting with US sanctions in 2006 and most recently strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats.
Santa Maria Times
MIAMI (AP) — The oil tanker was sailing near the coast of Guyana recently when its location transponder showed that it was starting to zigzag. It was a seemingly unlikely maneuver and the last digital clue that the ship, Skipper,...
13-12-25.-According to a report by AFP experts warn about very serious consequences if the U.S. continues with the strategy of seizing ships with oil from Venezuela, because this would imply a blockade on crude exports. Soldiers who come down by rappelling from helicopters, a despli...
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