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Oil Traders Eye Venezuela's Cardon Amid Political Shift

1/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Oil traders and tanker companies are engaging with Venezuela's Cardon refinery despite American energy firms' reluctance to return.
Following Nicolás Maduro's capture, executives from Vitol and Trafigura contacted shipowners in Athens.
They discussed shipping opportunities.
This shift signals growing interest in Venezuelan oil amid political changes.

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Story summary

Oil traders and tanker companies are engaging with Venezuela's Cardon refinery despite American energy firms' reluctance to return.
Following Nicolás Maduro's capture, executives from Vitol and Trafigura contacted shipowners in Athens.
They discussed shipping opportunities.
This shift signals growing interest in Venezuelan oil amid political changes.