Crude oil prices dropped in international markets after a recent US operation in Venezuela, after which the oil rates expected to fall.
The first week of 2026 began with a decline in oil prices instead of a strong upward trend, signaling market uncertainty following the military action in Venezuela and its consequences.
In the Asian market, crude oil prices fell by 0.63 percent, reflecting a cautious approach from traders amid political tensions affecting supply expectations in the region.
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London Brent crude oil is currently trading at $60.37 per barrel, showing a notable decrease compared to previous weeks as markets react to evolving geopolitical risks.
West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices dropped by 0.7 percent, reaching $56.92 per barrel, while shares of major oil producer Aramco also declined by 1.6 percent in response to the situation.
According to analysts, the US military operation in Venezuela and ongoing political uncertainty in Latin America continue to weigh heavily on crude oil prices worldwide.
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What Happened in Venezuela?
On January 3, 2026, the United States launched a large-scale military operation in Venezuela and captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.
They were then flown to New York, where they face U.S. federal charges including alleged drug trafficking and narco-terrorism.
As a result, international oil markets reacted to the news with falling crude oil prices. Traders and investors became cautious because instability in Venezuela could affect the global supply of oil, which influences prices worldwide.
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Venezuela is an important country for the global oil market because it produces a large amount of crude oil. The operation raised concerns about possible disruptions in Venezuela’s oil production and exports.
This action is unprecedented in modern U.S.–Latin America relations and has sparked intense global debate over legality, sovereignty, and regional stability.
