Crude Oil Prices Recover Slightly as US-Venezuela Crisis Keeps Energy Markets on Edge

Crude Oil prices steadied on Thursday after falling earlier in the week amid concerns about a possible increase in Venezuelan crude supply. U.S. crude rose about 0.7% to around US$56.38 a barrel, and Brent crude futures were up about 0.68% near US$60.37. Markets had recently weakened because traders worried that Venezuela could return more oil to global markets. 

The potential for more Venezuelan barrels comes as Washington seeks to control how the country’s oil is sold and to manage its revenue. U.S. authorities recently seized two tankers linked to Venezuela, including one that had been sailing under Russia’s flag, as part of a broader effort to enforce sanctions and redirect oil flows. 

How are Global Stock Markets Reacting to US-Venezuela Crisis? 

While oil markets held steady, global stock markets showed uneven performance. In Asia, share indexes moved between gains and losses. Japan’s Nikkei index fell, while broader regional markets remained cautious after a strong start to 2026. Futures for major U.S. indices like the Nasdaq and S&P 500 showed only small changes, and European futures traded lower. 

Investors have been adjusting to a range of geopolitical headlines, including China’s export curbs on dual-use technologies to Japan and tensions over rare earth materials, which have dampened sentiment in some markets. 

How Are Currency Markets Performing?

Currency markets were relatively stable on Thursday, with the euro and sterling little changed against the dollar. The Japanese yen eased slightly, and gold prices dipped modestly. 

Read more: GIFT Nifty Down 43 Pts on Jan 8, 2026: How Is the Indian Stock Market Likely to Open Today?

Conclusion

Oil prices found support after a recent slide as markets weighed geopolitical developments around Venezuelan oil and broader economic signals. Stock markets showed mixed results amid global tensions and data uncertainty. All eyes now are on the U.S. jobs report for clearer direction on monetary policy and market sentiment.

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