The second ship seized by the U.S. near Venezuela has now been confirmed as Chinese-owned, carrying 1.8 million barrels of Venezuela’s premium crude (Merey 16) — destined for China.
This wasn’t just a tanker.
It was a geopolitical signal.
Why it matters:
Merey 16 is Venezuela’s most valuable crude, critical for complex refineries. Losing 1.8M barrels isn’t minor — it directly impacts global supply.
Zooming out:
• U.S. enforcement around Venezuela is tightening
• China–Venezuela oil trade is under pressure
• Energy sanctions are being actively enforced
Market impact:
📈 Bullish pressure on crude
⚠️ Rising geopolitical risk premium
🌊 Volatility returning to energy markets
Energy is no longer just a commodity —
it’s a strategic weapon.
Watch the ships.
Watch geopolitics.
Watch the price.
#oil #Geopolitics #venezuela #china #EnergyMarkets
