Oil Tankers Return to Venezuela Amid U.S. Negotiations for Supply Agreement

A fleet of oil tankers has returned to Venezuelan waters on Saturday, following their departure in early January, as reported by the state oil company PDVSA.

Estimates indicate that the fleet comprises approximately 12 loaded vessels and at least three empty ships. These tankers had previously left in violation of a U.S. ban imposed in mid-December, which had resulted in a dramatic decline in Venezuela's oil exports.

U.S. authorities are closely monitoring these developments. They confirmed that Venezuela plans to facilitate crude exports as part of a $2 billion oil supply agreement currently being negotiated with Washington, aiming to redefine the oil relationship between the two nations after a prolonged period of tension and sanctions.