The US seizure of an oil tanker has disrupted Latin American oil trade and could trigger a ripple effect in the oil market.
2025-12-15 16:50:41
Some in the United States believe that its policy focus is on monitoring related capital flows. Certain U.S. actions in the Caribbean reflect its intention to interfere in Venezuela's internal affairs and promote political change. Weakening its energy cooperation with Cuba is seen as one way to achieve this goal.
During the previous US administration, Venezuela experienced domestic instability, but Cuban support helped maintain stability. This reportedly displeased those in the US who championed intervention at the time.
Some analysts point out that the core of the US strategy is to try to cut off energy support to Cuba, which is believed to affect the situation in Venezuela.
The seized oil tanker, "Skipper," was reportedly carrying crude oil purchased by a Cuban oil trading company. Its destination was listed as Matanzas, Cuba, indicating energy trade ties between Cuba and Venezuela. According to shipping data, the tanker transshipped a small portion of the crude oil during its voyage, with the majority continuing its journey to other regions.
The report mentioned that a Panamanian businessman played an intermediary role in the oil trade between Venezuela and Cuba.
In addition, the tanker has a history of transporting Iranian oil.
Current circumstances indicate that the US is attempting to further restrict Venezuela's oil trade. This move could exacerbate economic difficulties in the Caribbean and create external pressure on Venezuela's domestic situation.
While the US restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports do not constitute a direct supply crisis, they do increase geopolitical risks in the region. Market focus is on subsequent US measures, Venezuela's response, and the reactions of other major energy importers. This uncertainty provides support for oil prices, but a significant upward move would require a more substantial actual supply disruption. Traders should be wary of potential short-term market volatility from news in the region.
The downside support for oil prices will be strengthened by this new uncertainty, but a breakout above will require a more substantial supply disruption or escalation of conflict. Traders need to prepare for potentially increased short-term volatility due to news from the region. On Monday (December 15), US crude oil prices rose slightly, by about 0.31%.
(US crude oil daily chart, source: FX678)
At 16:30 Beijing time, US crude oil futures were trading at $57.63 per barrel.
The Hidden Chains Behind the Skipper Seizure
During the previous US administration, Venezuela experienced domestic instability, but Cuban support helped maintain stability. This reportedly displeased those in the US who championed intervention at the time.
Some analysts point out that the core of the US strategy is to try to cut off energy support to Cuba, which is believed to affect the situation in Venezuela.
The seized oil tanker, "Skipper," was reportedly carrying crude oil purchased by a Cuban oil trading company. Its destination was listed as Matanzas, Cuba, indicating energy trade ties between Cuba and Venezuela. According to shipping data, the tanker transshipped a small portion of the crude oil during its voyage, with the majority continuing its journey to other regions.
The report mentioned that a Panamanian businessman played an intermediary role in the oil trade between Venezuela and Cuba.
In addition, the tanker has a history of transporting Iranian oil.
Current circumstances indicate that the US is attempting to further restrict Venezuela's oil trade. This move could exacerbate economic difficulties in the Caribbean and create external pressure on Venezuela's domestic situation.
Geopolitical fuse lit: Oil price risk premium faces restructuring
While the US restrictions on Venezuelan oil exports do not constitute a direct supply crisis, they do increase geopolitical risks in the region. Market focus is on subsequent US measures, Venezuela's response, and the reactions of other major energy importers. This uncertainty provides support for oil prices, but a significant upward move would require a more substantial actual supply disruption. Traders should be wary of potential short-term market volatility from news in the region.
The downside support for oil prices will be strengthened by this new uncertainty, but a breakout above will require a more substantial supply disruption or escalation of conflict. Traders need to prepare for potentially increased short-term volatility due to news from the region. On Monday (December 15), US crude oil prices rose slightly, by about 0.31%.
(US crude oil daily chart, source: FX678)
At 16:30 Beijing time, US crude oil futures were trading at $57.63 per barrel.
- Risk Warning and Disclaimer
- The market involves risk, and trading may not be suitable for all investors. This article is for reference only and does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it take into account certain users’ specific investment objectives, financial situation, or other needs. Any investment decisions made based on this information are at your own risk.
