US strike on Venezuela sends ripples through global oil market

KATHMANDU: A recent US military strike on Venezuela, including the capture of its top leader in a high‑stakes operation, has heightened geopolitical tensions and triggered movements in global crude oil markets, according to multiple international reports.

The United States launched precision strikes that did not directly damage Venezuela’s oil production facilities, but the broader pressure—including sanctions, naval blockades, and interruptions to tanker movements—is already affecting the country’s oil exports, sources say.

Supply Disruptions and Market Response

Venezuela, despite holding the world’s largest proven oil reserves, has seen its output constrained for years due to structural and political challenges. Current production accounts for a relatively small share of global crude supply, meaning immediate large swings in benchmark prices are muted but still reflected in market pricing.

Analysts report that the recent U.S. actions, including a maritime blockade of oil tankers and sanctions on Venezuelan exports, have already reduced crude shipments, contributing to volatility in oil markets. This disruption has added a “risk premium”—a price component reflecting uncertainty and potential future supply constraints—to global oil pricing.

Price Movements and Forecasts

Early trading following the attack showed modest upward movement in oil prices, as traders weighed potential supply interruptions against broader global market conditions. Brent crude prices were reported trading near mid‑$60 per barrel, and some market analysts expect continued volatility as geopolitical risk is factored in by commodity markets.

However, in contrast to the short‑term uptick, several energy market observers highlight that global oil supply remains ample, with production increases from other regions and robust inventories mitigating the impact of Venezuelan disruptions. This has limited the immediate price spike on benchmarks such as Brent and West Texas Intermediate.

Strategic Context and Longer‑Term Uncertainty

The U.S. strike and its declared objective to leverage Venezuela’s oil reserves have also drawn strategic commentary. The operation is seen by some market participants as part of a broader attempt to influence energy geopolitics, especially in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Statements from U.S. leadership indicate plans to invite American oil firms to invest in rebuilding Venezuela’s dilapidated oil infrastructure, potentially reshaping future production capacity—though analysts warn that any meaningful recovery in Venezuela’s output would take years and significant capital.
Reuters

Market Interpretation

Financial markets are approaching the unfolding situation with a mix of caution and pragmatism. Short‑term price fluctuations reflect heightened geopolitical risk, while medium‑term perspectives weigh the limited current share of Venezuelan oil in global supply against the potential long‑term impact of investment and restructuring in the country’s energy sector.
Financial Times

Investors and energy analysts continue to monitor developments closely, noting that broader geopolitical escalation or policy shifts from major producers could amplify impacts on commodity prices and global energy security in 2026 and beyond.