The US seizure of a tanker carrying $80 million worth of Venezuelan crude poses a serious threat to President Nicolás Maduro’s regime, which relies on oil for over 90% of its export revenue. The move forces Venezuela to further discount its crude, drains scarce foreign reserves, and risks worsening shortages. Washington has signaled more ship seizures as part of a broader campaign to pressure Maduro from power, including military buildup and actions against alleged drug-trafficking operations, according to The Wall Street Journal. Even the threat of seizures has already stalled tanker traffic at Venezuela’s main port, stranding dozens of vessels and disrupting the country’s shadow fleet of largely sanctioned ships. Analysts warn that monthly seizures could plunge Venezuela into deeper recession, amplifying the regime’s economic crisis.
