Nigeria Poised to Replace Venezuela as China’s Top Crude Supplier as US Blockade Chokes Venezuelan Exports
In a dramatic shift in global oil trade patterns, Nigeria is set to become China’s primary crude import hub as Venezuelan shipments plunge to just 166,000 barrels per day in February—a devastating blow triggered by a month-long US blockade that has stranded China-bound cargoes in Venezuelan waters. The development marks a seismic change in energy supply chains as US forces have seized at least five tankers since mid-December, forcing many vessels to return to Venezuelan ports to avoid capture.
China, which previously relied on Venezuela for approximately 642,000 barrels per day in 2025, now faces a critical supply gap that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to fill. Mineral fuels, primarily crude oil and gas, dominate Nigeria’s exports to China, valued at $1.41 billion in 2023 and representing nearly 90% of total bilateral trade. Chinese entities like CNOOC maintain significant stakes in Nigeria’s offshore developments, providing established infrastructure for expanded shipments.
The crisis deepened around January 3 when US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, effectively paralyzing PDVSA’s ability to ship oil to Asia. The ongoing “oil quarantine” has left Chevron as the only Western company authorized to operate in Venezuela, with its production directed solely to the US Gulf Coast. Adding pressure to Chinese buyers, the discount between Brent crude and Venezuela’s flagship Merey crude has narrowed from $15 per barrel last month to $13 currently, reducing the economic incentive for Chinese refiners.
In a significant development, trading giants Trafigura and Vitol are now offering Venezuelan crude to refiners in China and India for March delivery at the request of the US government, providing logistical and marketing services to facilitate sales under American oversight. This arrangement follows a White House meeting between oil industry executives and President Donald Trump, signaling a potential reconfiguration of Venezuelan oil trade under US supervision.
Nigeria’s emergence as China’s leading supplier comes despite domestic challenges including production insecurity and corruption, but the country offers a stable alternative as Middle Eastern regional tensions mount and traditional supply routes face disruption.
Source: orientalnewsng.com
