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Venezuelan Tankers Return Amid $2 Billion US Oil Deal

1/10/2026

43 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Four tankers that left Venezuela in January 2025 with transponders off have returned, per Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) and TankerTrackers.com.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the M. Sophia and intercepted the Olina, which was later released.
Three tankers—Merope, Min Hang, and Thalia III—were spotted back in Venezuelan waters.
The United States is negotiating a $2 billion oil deal with Venezuela, with Vitol and Trafigura licensed to export.

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Story summary

Four tankers that left Venezuela in January 2025 with transponders off have returned, per Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA) and TankerTrackers.com.
The U.S. Coast Guard seized the M. Sophia and intercepted the Olina, which was later released.
Three tankers—Merope, Min Hang, and Thalia III—were spotted back in Venezuelan waters.
The United States is negotiating a $2 billion oil deal with Venezuela, with Vitol and Trafigura licensed to export.