UPDATE: Venezuela has officially met its ambitious oil production goal of 1.2 million barrels per day, despite ongoing US seizures of oil tankers linked to the nation. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez announced this significant milestone on December 10, 2023, declaring it a victory against what she described as “imperialist illegality” from the United States.
In a statement shared on Telegram, Rodriguez praised workers at the state oil company PDVSA for their hard work under the Productive Independence Plan. She emphasized that the achievement serves as the best Christmas gift for Venezuelans, highlighting the resilience of the oil workforce amidst intensified US pressure.
The announcement comes as US forces seized multiple oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including the Panama-flagged vessel Centuries on December 11, 2023. This aggressive action is part of a broader US strategy to combat what they label as corruption and drug trafficking in the region. President Donald Trump previously declared a “total and complete blockade” on sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, branding Maduro’s government as a “foreign terrorist organization.”
Rodriguez condemned the US actions as “international piracy,” asserting that such moves violate the human rights of Venezuelans. She vowed that “nothing and no one will stop us,” reaffirming support for President Nicolas Maduro and pledging to ramp up production targets for 2026.
As tensions rise, the US continues to implement strict measures against Venezuelan oil exports, which they claim fund narco-terrorism. This dynamic creates a precarious situation for the Venezuelan economy, heavily reliant on oil revenues. The recent seizure of the Centuries and others has raised alarms over potential further escalations in conflict.
Venezuela’s government remains defiant, with officials asserting their commitment to reach higher production levels despite external pressures. The international community watches closely as the situation evolves, with implications for global oil markets and regional stability.
What’s Next: As Venezuela prepares to boost its production capacity, observers are urged to monitor ongoing developments regarding US actions and potential retaliatory measures from Caracas. The struggle for control over oil resources continues, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions.
