UPDATE: Venezuela has just announced it has successfully reached its oil production target of 1.2 million barrels per day, despite ongoing US military pressure and recent tanker seizures. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez declared this achievement under the Productive Independence Plan, celebrating the resilience of workers at state oil company PDVSA.
The announcement comes amidst escalating tensions as US forces seized multiple oil tankers linked to Venezuela. The Panama-flagged vessel Centuries was intercepted today, with previous seizures occurring on December 10 and another on December 12. Rodriguez described the production target as “the best Christmas gift for Venezuelans,” emphasizing the dedication of oil workers facing “harassment, hostility, and imperialist illegality.”
Rodriguez pledged unwavering support for President Nicolas Maduro, stating, “Nothing and no one will stop us.” This declaration occurs as the US intensifies its blockade against sanctioned oil tankers, labeling Maduro’s government as a “foreign terrorist organization.” In response, Caracas has condemned these actions as “international piracy.”
The US government’s seizure actions are part of a broader strategy to combat corruption and drug trafficking in the region. However, Venezuelan officials argue that these efforts are merely a façade for the US’s desire to exert control over Venezuela’s significant oil resources.
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely. Analysts suggest that the ongoing confrontations may impact the future of oil production in Venezuela and the country’s economic stability.
Moving forward, all eyes are on the Venezuelan oil sector as it navigates these challenges and strives to meet its production goals for 2026. As the situation develops, both Venezuelan and US strategies will likely have far-reaching implications for global oil markets and geopolitical dynamics in Latin America.
