Venezuela passes law against piracy and blockades amid U.S. oil seizures

Venezuela’s ruling-party controlled National Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved a law imposing prison sentences of up to 20 years for anyone who promotes, finances, or participates in what it defines as piracy, blockades, and other international crimes .

The legislation, officially titled the “Law to Guarantee Freedom of Navigation and Commerce Against Piracy, Blockades, and Other International Illicit Acts”, was introduced by pro-government lawmaker Giuseppe Alessandrello. National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez said the bill will be sent to the executive branch for approval and will take effect once published in the Official Gazette.

The law comes in response to recent U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil shipments . Earlier this month, the U.S. Coast Guard seized a sanctioned supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude and attempted to intercept two other vessels linked to the country. These operations represent Washington’s strongest action against state oil company PDVSA since its former Russian trading partners were sanctioned in 2020, forcing reductions in production and exports. PDVSA has been under U.S. sanctions since 2019.

According to Rodriguez, the law is aimed at protecting national sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and commerce , while punishing foreign or domestic actors interfering with Venezuela’s maritime trade. He also criticised the domestic opposition, accusing them of supporting sanctions, aligning with U.S. interests, and “being happy with the aggressive actions currently taking place in the Caribbean Sea.”

President Nicolas Maduro has repeatedly condemned the United States for attempting to undermine Venezuela’s economy and remove him from power. U.S. authorities, meanwhile, say their maritime operations are part of efforts to combat sanctions evasion and drug trafficking, and have increased military presence in the Caribbean.

Experts warn that the new law could have wide-ranging implications for Venezuelan shipping and international trade. Foreign vessels navigating near Venezuelan waters may face legal risks or seizure, and higher insurance costs could affect trade flows. The law could also escalate diplomatic tensions with the United States and other nations involved in international shipping.

In sum, the legislation represents both a legal safeguard for Venezuela’s maritime commerce and a political statement reinforcing Maduro’s sovereignty narrative, while introducing potential challenges for international trade and diplomacy.