Global Oil Market Reacts to US-Venezuela Maritime Incident

Price Surge Follows Tanker Interception

Global oil prices experienced a significant increase on Monday, December 22, 2025, following reports that the United States had intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters off Venezuela's coast ¹

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Source 2

https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-menguat-usai-as-cegat-kapal-tanker-mminyak-di-lepas-pantai-venezuela

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Source 3

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-naik-seiring-meningkatnya-tindakan-as-terhadap-kapal-tanker-venezuela

. The incident heightened geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supplies.

Market Reaction

The price of Brent crude oil for February 2026 delivery rose by 0.73-0.9% to between US$60.91 and US$61.04 per barrel ¹

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Source 2

https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-menguat-usai-as-cegat-kapal-tanker-mminyak-di-lepas-pantai-venezuela

, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for the same delivery month increased by 0.71-1.0% to between US$56.92 and US$57.07 per barrel ¹

Source 1

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-dunia-naik-senin-2212-pagi-brent-ke-us-6091-wti-ke-us-5692

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Source 2

https://investasi.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-menguat-usai-as-cegat-kapal-tanker-mminyak-di-lepas-pantai-venezuela

. The price movement reflects market sensitivity to geopolitical events that could impact oil production and distribution.

Market Analysis

Analysts attribute the price increase to growing tensions between the United States and Venezuela. "The market is beginning to realize that the Trump administration is taking a tough stance on Venezuelan oil trading," said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities ³

. Venezuelan crude oil accounts for about 1% of global supply ³

Source 3

https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-minyak-naik-seiring-meningkatnya-tindakan-as-terhadap-kapal-tanker-venezuela

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Implications

The interception has raised concerns about potential further escalations and their impact on global energy markets. Girta Putra Yoga from ICDX Research noted that the rising tensions between the US and Venezuela are directly influencing crude oil prices ²

. The situation remains closely monitored by market participants as developments unfold.