Venezuela Passes Law Allowing Up to 20-Year Jail Terms Over Piracy, Blockades Following Oil Tanker Seizures

Venezuelan lawmakers approved a law imposing up to 20-year prison sentences for piracy and blockades as U.S. sanctions and oil tanker seizures escalate regional tensions.

Venezuelan lawmakers approved a law imposing up to 20-year prison sentences for individuals involved in piracy, blockades, or other maritime crimes, intensifying tensions with the United States. The legislation, passed unanimously by the ruling party-controlled National Assembly, targets both direct and indirect involvement in financing or promoting such actions, Reuters reported.

The law comes as the U.S. Coast Guard has recently intercepted a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker and attempted to halt two additional vessels transporting crude in international waters, citing enforcement of sanctions and anti-narcotics measures. Washington’s actions are seen by Caracas as a direct attempt to weaken the Venezuelan economy and pressure President Nicolás Maduro to step down.

Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA, has been forced to use tankers as floating storage due to delays and hesitancy from shipping companies, with inventories at key terminals, including Jose in the Orinoco Belt, reaching near capacity. The disruption has left over a dozen oil cargoes stranded in Venezuelan waters.

China remains the primary destination for Venezuelan crude, importing roughly 80 percent of exports. U.S. pressure on what Venezuela calls the “shadow fleet” has prompted some buyers to delay or return shipments. Despite the challenges, Chevron, PDVSA’s main partner, confirmed that joint oil export operations continue under U.S. legal regulations, and Maduro emphasized that contracts will proceed regardless of political pressure.

Analysts note that these developments come amid heightened regional tensions, with the U.S. reinforcing its military presence in the Caribbean and threatening further sanctions, raising the stakes for both Caracas and international shipping companies. The law signals Venezuela’s determination to defend its maritime sovereignty while maintaining control over oil exports.

International observers warn that the measure could complicate diplomatic relations and escalate conflicts over global oil shipments, potentially impacting prices and regional stability. The legislation also serves as a domestic message that the government is taking strong action to counter foreign interference.

The new law may further strain U.S.-Venezuela relations and heighten risks of confrontation in the Caribbean, with implications for global energy markets and maritime operations. PDVSA and other stakeholders will need to navigate a challenging environment as sanctions enforcement continues.

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