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Trump Orders Blockade of Sanctioned Oil Tankers, Raising Venezuela Tensions and Oil Prices 
Oil prices edged lower in Asian trading Monday as markets reacted to looming U.S. tariffs and developments in Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. Brent crude futures for May delivery slipped 0.4% to $71.88 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 0.3% to $67.67.
The decline comes after two straight weeks of gains, fueled by renewed U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil. However, investors are growing cautious ahead of new trade tariffs expected from U.S. President Donald Trump, who plans to introduce reciprocal tariffs starting April 2. Reports indicate a more targeted strategy, focusing on around 15 nations with significant trade imbalances—dubbed the “dirty 15”—which may include G-20 members such as China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. These measures are raising concerns of trade disruptions and broader market volatility.
Meanwhile, hopes for progress in U.S.-brokered peace talks between Russia and Ukraine added further pressure on oil. A U.S. delegation is scheduled to meet Russian officials Monday to discuss potential ceasefire efforts in the Black Sea and broader peace strategies. A successful outcome could lead to an increase in Russian oil exports, weighing on global prices.
Capping further losses, OPEC+ reaffirmed plans for additional production cuts by seven member countries to offset prior overproduction. These cuts—ranging from 189,000 to 435,000 barrels per day—will remain in place until June 2026, countering the group’s scheduled production increases starting in April.
Investors continue to monitor geopolitical risks, trade policy shifts, and supply outlooks, all of which remain key drivers for oil market volatility. As markets digest the potential impact of tariffs and the peace talks' outcome, oil prices could see further fluctuations in the short term.
