Oil prices rose in early Asian trading on Monday as markets priced in higher geopolitical risk following the U.S. escalation of enforcement actions against oil tankers linked to Venezuela.
Brent crude climbed 0.84% to $60.98 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 0.87% to $57.01 per barrel. Traders reacted to the prospect of tighter enforcement rather than any immediate loss of physical supply.
U.S. forces over the weekend seized a second tanker connected to Venezuelan oil shipments in international waters. Authorities are also pursuing a third vessel, identified by a U.S. official as Bella 1. Officials allege the tanker belongs to a “dark fleet” used to evade sanctions and operates under a false flag, with a judicial seizure order already in place.
If intercepted, the operation would mark the third tanker action in less than two weeks, underscoring Washington’s stepped-up pressure on oil flows tied to the Maduro government. Earlier this month, U.S. forces boarded and seized the tanker Skipper in the Caribbean as part of a classified enforcement effort.
The actions follow President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting sanctioned Venezuelan oil shipments, alongside expanded sanctions. U.S. authorities say the measures aim to curb illicit crude exports that finance criminal activity. Venezuelan officials have condemned the seizures, describing them as “international piracy,” and said they plan to seek redress through international bodies.
While Venezuela accounts for a relatively small share of global oil supply, prolonged disruptions—especially to key buyers such as China—could raise volatility if refiners are forced to secure alternative barrels. For now, analysts say the market response reflects heightened geopolitical risk, not an immediate tightening of crude availability.