US Seizes Venezuelan Oil Tanker; Global Shadow Fleet Faces Pressure

• The US seized a Venezuelan oil supertanker, escalating tensions and drawing accusations of "international piracy" from Venezuela.
• This action targets Venezuela's oil trade, potentially affecting over 30 ships already under US sanctions and causing delays in oil exports.
• The seized tanker was part of a "shadow fleet" – vessels used by sanctioned countries like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran to secretly transport oil, often hiding their location.
• The US is increasing pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which could deter shipping agencies from operating near Venezuela.
• Despite US sanctions, Venezuela's oil exports increased in November, reaching over 900,000 barrels per day.

Why It Matters: US seizure of Venezuelan oil disrupts global trade and shadow fleet operations.