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Twelve Tankers Loaded with Venezuelan Crude Depart Venezuela

Published January 5, 2026, 12:13
Twelve Tankers Loaded with Venezuelan Crude Depart Venezuela

Approximately twelve tankers loaded with Venezuelan crude oil and fuel have departed the country's territorial waters in recent days with their automatic identification systems (AIS) turned off. This appears to circumvent the strict blockade imposed by the United States amid the crisis leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. All identified vessels are subject to US sanctions. Simultaneously, other vessels also under sanctions have departed empty, after unloading imports or completing domestic voyages. These departures could provide relief to the state oil company PDVSA, which had accumulated large stockpiles due to the blockade. Oil exports are Venezuela's main source of revenue, essential for funding expenditures and stabilizing the country.