WTI surges as US intercepts Venezuelan tanker
West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the benchmark US crude oil, climbed to $57.65 during early European trading on Monday, up 1.12% on the day. The rally follows reports that the United States intercepted a Venezuelan oil tanker in international waters, raising fresh concerns over supply disruptions. The President of the United States stated that military action against Venezuela remains on the table, intensifying geopolitical tensions.
Traders now await Tuesday’s release of the American Petroleum Institute (API) crude oil stockpile report for further market direction.
According to NBC, the United States is actively pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela, as part of its expanding oil blockade against Nicolás Maduro’s government. Officials confirmed the vessel is under sanctions but has not yet been boarded. Interceptions may include sailing or flying near vessels of concern.
“The market is waking up to the fact that the administration is taking a hardline approach to the Venezuelan oil trade,” said June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities.
These developments have heightened supply risk in the region, supporting WTI prices amid broader geopolitical uncertainty.
Meanwhile, growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will deliver further interest rate cuts — following signs of softer inflation and weaker labor market data — could weigh on the US Dollar and indirectly support USD-denominated commodities like oil.
According to the CME FedWatch tool, markets are pricing in a 21.0% probability of a rate cut at the Fed’s January meeting. The Fed has already lowered rates by 25 basis points at each of its last three meetings.
Lower interest rates typically reduce the opportunity cost of holding commodities and can boost demand for oil.
On the four-hour chart, WTI remains in positive territory, trading above the 50-period Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers in neutral-to-bullish territory, suggesting continued upward momentum.
Key resistance: $58.00
Immediate support: Friday’s low at $56.70
A breakout above $58.00 could open the path toward $59.20, while a drop below $56.70 may trigger a correction toward the 100-period EMA at $55.90.
WTI is currently supported by two major drivers: Geopolitical tensions with Venezuela and expectations of Fed rate cuts. While the technical structure remains bullish, traders should monitor upcoming API data and policy signals from the Federal Reserve for short-term price direction.