US Steps Up Oil Crackdown on Venezuela, Tracks Tankers Linked to Maduro Regime

The United States has stepped up pressure on Venezuela by pursuing oil tankers allegedly linked to the government of President Nicolás Maduro, as tensions escalate over sanctions enforcement and energy exports.

According to US officials, American authorities are now tracking a third oil tanker near Venezuelan waters after seizing two vessels earlier this month. The actions are part of a broader strategy under President Donald Trump to tighten an oil blockade aimed at cutting off revenue to Caracas.

Venezuelan officials have condemned the moves, accusing Washington of illegal maritime actions and describing the seizures as acts of piracy.

Tankers Under Scrutiny

One of the vessels currently under pursuit is the Bella 1, a Panama-flagged tanker that US authorities say is under sanctions. The ship, built in 2002 and measuring 333 metres in length, was reportedly en route to Venezuela to load fuel.

Sources cited by Bloomberg said US agencies believe the tanker may have been sailing under a false flag and falls under an existing court order permitting its seizure.

Earlier this month, US forces boarded two other tankers—Centuries and Skipper. While the Centuries was not publicly listed under US sanctions, White House officials later claimed it was transporting oil owned by PDVSA, Venezuela’s state-run oil firm.

Venezuela’s Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodríguez strongly criticised the operation, calling it a “serious act of piracy” and accusing the US of violating international law.

Oil Revenue at the Center of the Dispute

Oil exports remain the primary source of income for the Maduro government, and analysts say the US strategy is designed to choke this lifeline. If Venezuela is unable to export crude, storage facilities could fill rapidly, forcing PDVSA to shut down production at oil wells.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) recently reported a sharp decline in Venezuelan oil output. Production fell by 150,000 barrels per day in November, dropping to around 860,000 barrels per day, while exports also declined.

Tensions have further intensified after Washington signalled plans to tighten oversight of Venezuelan airspace and maritime routes.

Exports, China, and ‘Ghost Fleets’

Venezuela primarily produces extra-heavy crude oil, which requires specialised chemicals and lighter fuels to transport and export. The IEA warned that even minor delays to shipments carrying these materials can disrupt production.

Most Venezuelan crude is now sold to China via intermediaries using ageing vessels often referred to as “ghost fleets.” US officials believe Venezuela is more dependent on these exports than its buyers are on Venezuelan oil.

Limited Global Impact, Rising Local Pressure

Despite the heightened confrontation, global oil markets have remained largely unaffected. Venezuelan exports currently account for less than 1% of global oil demand, limiting the broader price impact.

For Caracas, however, the pressure is mounting. Analysts warn that if export routes remain blocked, Venezuela could soon be forced to implement deeper production cuts, further straining its already fragile economy.