Political Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher Following Trump's Actions Against Venezuela
December 17, 2025544 VistasTiempo de lectura: 2 minutos
Tamaño de fuente
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Oil prices have registered a notable increase today, following a new escalation from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Venezuela. This development has reignited geopolitical concerns in global energy markets, leading investors to seek protection.
Futures contracts for U.S. crude oil, specifically West Texas Intermediate, for January delivery rose by 1.61%, reaching $56.16 per barrel at 10:15 Moscow time. Meanwhile, global Brent crude contracts for February delivery increased by 1.54%, hitting $59.83 per barrel.
This uptick occurred after Trump issued a directive on Tuesday to impose a blockade on all oil tankers subject to sanctions entering or leaving Venezuela, labeling the ruling authorities in the country as a "foreign terrorist organization." This move could intensify pressure on the Venezuelan energy sector.
According to estimates from a U.S. oil trader, these measures might disrupt supplies by approximately 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day, potentially leading to a price increase of about one to two dollars per barrel in the near future.
Additionally, operators in Asian oil markets noted that the current rise is not solely a result of political escalation but also due to a resurgence of investor interest in purchasing futures contracts after prices dipped below $60 per barrel yesterday, contributing to the surge in today's trading activity.
Futures contracts for U.S. crude oil, specifically West Texas Intermediate, for January delivery rose by 1.61%, reaching $56.16 per barrel at 10:15 Moscow time. Meanwhile, global Brent crude contracts for February delivery increased by 1.54%, hitting $59.83 per barrel.
This uptick occurred after Trump issued a directive on Tuesday to impose a blockade on all oil tankers subject to sanctions entering or leaving Venezuela, labeling the ruling authorities in the country as a "foreign terrorist organization." This move could intensify pressure on the Venezuelan energy sector.
According to estimates from a U.S. oil trader, these measures might disrupt supplies by approximately 400,000 to 500,000 barrels per day, potentially leading to a price increase of about one to two dollars per barrel in the near future.
Additionally, operators in Asian oil markets noted that the current rise is not solely a result of political escalation but also due to a resurgence of investor interest in purchasing futures contracts after prices dipped below $60 per barrel yesterday, contributing to the surge in today's trading activity.
