China bought ‘legitimate’ Venezuelan oil from US after Maduro seizure, energy secretary says

U.S. forces seized the Olina, a fifth oil tanker linked to Venezuela, in the Caribbean Sea, as part of ongoing efforts to control Venezuelan oil exports. The U.S. Southern Command and Department of Homeland Security coordinated the seizure, alleging the tanker was attempting to evade U.S. forces after departing Venezuela with embargoed oil. This action follows the recent seizure of two other tankers, including the Russian-flagged Marinera, in the North Atlantic and Caribbean, with assistance from the UK Royal Navy in one instance. The U.S. alleges these tankers are part of a "ghost fleet" violating sanctions by carrying oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. The U.S. aims to restrict Venezuelan crude oil exports, with plans to sell seized oil and control the proceeds to benefit the Venezuelan people.

The United States seized the oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic on Wednesday after a two-week pursuit. The tanker, previously named Bella 1 and recently re-registered with Russia, had evaded the U.S. Coast Guard after an initial stop in the Caribbean while en route to Venezuela to pick up oil. U.S. officials stated the seizure was part of an effort to enforce a partial blockade on Venezuelan oil and pressure its leadership. Despite a formal request from Russia to halt the pursuit and the presence of Russian naval vessels, the Coast Guard boarded the ship without resistance from the crew. U.S. military support, including aircraft, was deployed to assist in the operation. The crew may face legal action in the United States.

In January 2026, the United States announced it would control the sales of Venezuelan oil "indefinitely." According to the announcement, the US will determine how the revenue from these sales is allocated. President Trump stated that Venezuela would transfer between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States. The US also seized two sanctioned oil tankers allegedly linked to Venezuela. The stated reason for this action was not provided in the article.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. will maintain a military presence near Venezuela to enforce sanctions and prevent sanctioned oil tankers from operating there. This "quarantine" aims to exert leverage on Venezuela's leadership and serve U.S. interests. Rubio indicated that President Trump hasn't ruled out deploying U.S. troops to Venezuela if deemed necessary. The U.S. is focused on Venezuela's oil industry, suggesting the administration wants the acting leader, Delcy Rodríguez, to allow American companies to invest and operate there under favorable conditions. Rubio stated that Venezuela needs private investment to revive its oil industry, which is currently under U.S. sanctions and government control. Chevron is currently the only U.S. oil company operating in Venezuela.

A Venezuela-linked oil tanker, formerly named Bella 1, evaded the U.S. Coast Guard by changing its name to Marinera, reflagging to Russia, and painting a Russian flag on its hull. The tanker, part of the "dark fleet," was later spotted off the coast of Ireland, prompting aerial surveillance by the U.S., U.K., France, and Ireland. Russia has reportedly deployed a submarine and naval assets to escort the tanker to its waters. The U.S. has been tracking the vessel since December, intensifying enforcement against Venezuelan oil shipments. Russia formally requested the U.S. cease its pursuit of the tanker in early January.

The US Coast Guard seized two oil tanker ships, the Marinera and the Sophia, in separate operations. According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, one seizure occurred in the North Atlantic Sea and the other in international waters near the Caribbean Sea. The operations were described as "meticulously coordinated" and took place within hours of each other. Noem stated that the tankers either last docked in Venezuela or were en route to the country. The reason for the seizures was not explicitly stated in the provided information.

Following a hypothetical military operation removing Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, President Trump claims US oil companies could be operational there within 18 months. He suggests the companies would be reimbursed for their investments by the US government or through revenue generated. Trump believes increased Venezuelan oil production would benefit the US by lowering oil prices. However, analysts are skeptical, citing the need for a stable government, the high costs involved, and the time required to restore Venezuela's oil output. Chevron, the only US firm currently operating in Venezuela, stated it remains focused on employee safety and compliance with regulations. Venezuela possesses the world's largest proven oil reserves, but its production has declined significantly.

Following the U.S. abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026, uncertainty surrounds Venezuela's economic future. The U.S. announced it will control Venezuelan oil sales "indefinitely," raising concerns about revenue for Caracas. The U.S. plans to market sanctioned oil, holding proceeds in U.S. Treasury accounts to be shared between the two countries. A deal was also struck for Venezuela to export up to $2 billion worth of crude oil to the U.S. In the long term, the U.S. may ease sanctions on Venezuelan oil imports and equipment. The impact on Venezuela's economy hinges on sanctions relief, relations with the U.S., and control of oil revenues, especially considering that nearly 80% of Venezuela's budget was allocated to social spending.

Following the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump urged oil companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's oil infrastructure. At a White House roundtable, Trump promised "total safety" and security for these investments, emphasizing the opportunity for American oil companies to extract resources. He stated that the investment would come from the oil companies themselves, not the US government, and that the US would benefit from lower energy prices. While some oil executives expressed support and willingness to rebuild Venezuela's oil infrastructure, analysts remain skeptical about the speed of investment. Trump also warned that other companies were ready to take their place if they were not interested in the rebuilding efforts.