Venezuela has moved decisively to outlaw the seizure of its oil tankers, passing a new law that introduces severe penalties including lengthy prison sentences. This legislative action comes as a direct response to a recent campaign of vessel seizures by United States forces, part of President Donald Trump's escalating pressure on the government of Nicolás Maduro.
Swift Legislative Response to US Actions
On Tuesday 23 December 2025, Venezuela's National Assembly, which is controlled by the ruling party, approved a sweeping measure designed to criminalise activities that disrupt navigation and commerce. The bill was introduced, debated, and passed within just two days, underscoring the urgency felt by the Caracas government.
The move follows two high-profile seizures this month by US forces. On Saturday 21 December, the US Coast Guard seized the Panama-flagged tanker 'Centuries'. Earlier, on 10 December, with assistance from the US Navy, it seized another rogue tanker named 'Skipper', also registered in Panama. Washington claims these vessels are part of a fleet used by Venezuela to circumvent stringent US economic sanctions.
Harsh Penalties for "Acts of Piracy"
Although the final text of the law was not immediately published, details read aloud in the assembly reveal its tough stance. The legislation mandates fines and prison terms of up to 20 years for anyone who promotes, requests, supports, finances, or participates in acts deemed piracy, blockades, or other illegal international acts against commercial entities operating with Venezuela.
The bill now awaits the signature of President Maduro to become law. It also instructs Venezuela's executive branch to develop economic incentives and protective mechanisms for national and foreign businesses that suffer from piracy, blockades, or unlawful acts while trading with the country.
Deepening US-Venezuela Confrontation
This legal manoeuvre places Venezuela on a more confrontational footing with the United States. President Trump, after the first seizure in December, stated the US would carry out a "blockade" of Venezuela and has repeatedly asserted that Maduro's time in power is limited.
"If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it'll be the last time he'll ever be able to play tough," Trump said of Maduro on Monday 22 December, interrupting his Florida holiday to announce plans for the Navy to construct a new, large warship.
Notably, Venezuela's political opposition, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado, has expressed support for Trump's policy, including the tanker seizures. This highlights the deep domestic divisions that underpin the international crisis, as Maduro's government seeks legal armour against what it frames as foreign aggression.
