Chevron sells oil to Reliance for first time since 2023 as Venezuela readies larger cargoes for export

Core Insights - The introduction of larger vessels, capable of carrying up to 2 million barrels of oil, is anticipated to lower transportation costs, address the shortage of smaller tankers, and expedite deliveries from Venezuela starting next month, potentially leading to a quicker depletion of stored oil in the country [1][12]. Group 1: Shipping and Logistics - Three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) chartered by Vitol and Trafigura have been assigned loading windows in March at Venezuela's main oil terminal, which handles up to 70% of the country's crude exports [2][13]. - The Olympic Lion supertanker is also expected to arrive in Venezuela by late March, indicating increased shipping activity [3]. - Historically, Venezuela's crude exports have utilized medium-sized tankers, such as Panamaxes and Aframaxes, which carry between 450,000 and 700,000 barrels, and Suezmax vessels, which can carry up to 1 million barrels [4][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The larger cargoes are expected to alleviate cost pressures for trading houses, which have expressed concerns over the high prices of Venezuelan crude, particularly in a backwardation market where future shipments are cheaper than current supplies [7][12]. - Chevron has resumed selling Venezuelan crude to Indian refiners, marking a significant return to the market after sanctions, with exports reaching approximately 800,000 barrels per day in January, up from 500,000 bpd in December [8][12]. - The U.S. Treasury Department's issuance of a general license for oil exports is expected to broaden the buyer pool and increase the destinations for Venezuelan oil [11][12]. Group 3: Company Activities - Trading houses Vitol and Trafigura are actively exporting Venezuelan crude as part of a $2 billion deal between the U.S. and Venezuela, with recent sales to Indian refiners aimed at reducing reliance on Russian oil [8][12]. - Chevron and U.S. refiners, including Valero Energy and Phillips 66, are preparing to enhance Venezuelan oil processing at their refineries, which is likely to boost exports [10][12]. - The shift to larger tankers is expected to ease the logistical challenges faced by companies in sourcing medium-sized vessels for Caribbean departures [11][12].