A U.S. military helicopter flew over the Centuries, a Panama-flagged vessel that was intercepted on Saturday east of Barbados in the Caribbean Sea. The Coast Guard also pursued another oil tanker, the Bella 1. Photograph: U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Guacamaya, December 22, 2025. Oil prices rose on Monday following the interception of a second vessel carrying Venezuelan crude and the pursuit of a third by the U.S. Coast Guard. These incidents, which occurred over the weekend in international waters of the Caribbean Sea, have sparked fears of disruptions in global supply and were denounced by Venezuela as a threat to the world economy.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.31, or 2.17%, to $61.78 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.25, or 2.2%, to $57.77. Experts such as Giovanni Staunovo of UBS, quoted by Investing, note that market participants now perceive a real risk of interruptions in Venezuelan exports.
The U.S. Coast Guard chased a tanker carrying Venezuelan crude in its second operation of the weekend and third in less than two weeks, heightening tensions in the region. This action follows President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned vessels entering or leaving Venezuela.
In response, the Venezuelan government has condemned these measures, labeling them “international piracy,” warning they will harm the global economy and increase “instability in international markets,” according to a letter from President Nicolás Maduro addressed to Latin American and Caribbean Heads of State.
Other factors, such as increased supply from the U.S. and OPEC+, had kept prices stable, but the Venezuelan incident—alongside Russia-Ukraine tensions—has driven the recent surge. Analysts highlight that Venezuelan crude represents about 1% of global supply, yet the risk of escalation has shaken market complacency.
The U.S. has justified its military deployment in the Caribbean Sea as part of its actions against alleged drug trafficking networks and other illicit activities financing Maduro’s government. The escalation could further slow oil loading at Venezuelan ports, with a growing number of vessels turning away.
