UPDATE: Venezuela has confirmed it has achieved its ambitious goal of producing 1.2 million barrels of crude oil per day, despite escalating pressures from the United States. This announcement comes as US forces seized multiple oil tankers linked to Caracas, heightening tensions in the region.
On December 9, 2023, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez declared the milestone via Telegram, attributing the success to the dedicated efforts of workers at state oil company PDVSA. Rodriguez described this achievement as the “best Christmas gift” for Venezuelans, emphasizing that the production goal was met under the Productive Independence Plan. “Nothing and no one will stop us,” she asserted, pledging ongoing support for President Nicolas Maduro amidst what she termed “harassment and imperialist illegality.”
This announcement comes on the heels of US military actions that saw the seizure of the Panama-flagged tanker, Centuries, on December 9, along with another vessel, Skipper, earlier this month. The US government has intensified its campaign against Venezuela’s oil exports, declaring a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country. President Trump has labeled Maduro’s administration a “foreign terrorist organization,” further complicating diplomatic relations.
Venezuela has condemned these US actions as “international piracy,” arguing that the seizures are a pretext for the US to undermine its sovereignty and control its vast oil resources. Rodriguez emphasized the resilience of Venezuelan oil workers, stating that they confront and defeat these “imperialist” attacks that violate their human rights.
As these developments unfold, the international community is watching closely. The US claims its measures aim to combat corruption and drug trafficking in the region, while Venezuela accuses Washington of using anti-narcotics efforts as a cover for its geopolitical ambitions.
The situation remains fluid, and the implications for global oil markets and regional stability are significant. Observers are keen to see how Venezuela will respond to increased US pressure and whether it can sustain its oil production targets moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly developing situation.
