Overview
- The Energy Department said the U.S. has begun marketing Venezuelan crude on global markets and has enlisted major commodity traders and banks to handle transactions.
- The White House stated only maritime shipments that meet U.S. law and national security criteria will be permitted, following a Pentagon-coordinated detention of a Russian tanker tied to Venezuelan flows.
- Targeted relief will allow transport and production under licensed channels, with U.S. light crude and select oilfield equipment authorized to help blend and move Venezuela’s heavy barrels.
- PDVSA announced talks with U.S. counterparts on deliveries, and the White House said Venezuela’s temporary authorities agreed to transfer sanctioned oil to U.S. custody for near-term arrivals.
- China’s foreign ministry, Spain’s top diplomat and the UN secretary‑general affirmed Venezuela’s control over its resources and criticized Washington’s operation as a breach of international law.