Crude Oil Prices Edge Higher After Steep Losses

On Friday, December 12, 2025, crude oil prices rose in Asian trading, rebounding after sharp declines in the previous session. The uptick was backed by reports that the U.S. is preparing to intercept additional tankers carrying Venezuelan oil, heightening concerns of supply disruptions.

As of 20:50 ET (01:50 GMT):

• Brent crude (February futures) was up 0.5% at $61.61 per barrel
• WTI crude gained 0.6% to $57.95 per barrel

Both benchmarks had fallen 1.5% on Thursday, touching a seven-week low amid optimism around possible Ukraine peace talks and rising U.S. gasoline and distillate inventories. Crude remained on track to lose more than 3% for the week.

U.S. Eyes More Seizures of Venezuelan Oil Tankers

As per news reports, Washington is preparing further vessel interdictions following this week’s seizure of the tanker Skipper off Venezuela’s coast. The potential expansion of U.S. enforcement efforts marks a notable escalation in sanctions activity, prompting shipowners to reconsider voyages involving Venezuelan crude.

According to the report, the U.S. has prepared a target list of additional sanctioned tankers for possible seizure, adding a fresh risk premium to the global oil market and helping Brent and WTI recover part of Thursday’s losses.

Also Read: E-Way Bill Generation Rises in November, Indicating Economic Uptick

Peace Prospects Limit Gains

Despite the recovery, upside remained contained by renewed diplomatic efforts between Russia and Ukraine. Any progress toward a negotiated settlement could eventually impact sanctions on Russian energy exports and alter expectations for global supply flows.

Earlier this week, crude prices softened when initial signs of movement emerged in the peace discussions, highlighting the market’s sensitivity to any potential de-escalation in Europe.

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