The first naphtha cargo for Venezuela as part of an oil deal agreed between Caracas and Washington this month arrived on Friday in the country's waters in a tanker chartered by trading house Vitol, ship tracking data showed.
U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed threat against Iran have stoked fears of possible supply disruption in the oil-rich Middle East. Oil prices were trading higher on Friday morning after Trump said a U.S. "armada" was heading toward the Gulf region.
U.S. control of Venezuela's oil exports has ensnared barrels that had been servicing debt to China, lining up another potential showdown between the two superpowers that could further complicate the South American country's path out of default.
Oil prices rebounded on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump renewed threats against major Middle Eastern producer Iran, raising concerns of military action that could disrupt supplies.
Oil rose in Asian trade on a possible technical recovery after WTI and Brent settled lower overnight.
The Trump administration is allowing China to purchase Venezuelan oil but not at "unfair, undercut" prices at which Caracas sold the crude before the U.S. removed its leader Nicolas Maduro, an administration official said on Thursday.
WTI crude oil stalls at 200-day MA as EIA inventory build expected. Oversupply battles Iran risk premium; range-bound trade at $59.40 sweet spot.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses the benefits of President Donald Trump's style at the World Economic Forum, the US's ultimate goal for Venezuela's energy industry, and his plans to visit the nation's oil operations in the next few weeks. Wright speaks to Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of the 2026 World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
The world needs to more than double oil production, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Thursday, while criticising the European Union and the U.S. state of California for wasting money on what he described as inefficient green energy.
Years of discipline have made companies such as Halliburton and SLB lean and efficient.
Oil edges higher despite a 3M barrel inventory build, while natural gas surges above $5.25 as traders weigh breakout momentum against oversupply risks.
Oil edged higher in early Asian trade, aided by prospects of stronger demand.