The government of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela said on the 17th (local time) that it will continue crude oil exports despite the U.S. administration of Donald Trump's "tanker blockade order."
According to Yonhap News, state-run oil company PDVSA (Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A) said in a statement the same day, "We reaffirm our commitment to defending energy sovereignty, fulfilling lawful trade obligations, and protecting maritime operations," adding, "Crude oil export operations are being maintained normally."
PDVSA said, "Crude oil and byproduct export operations are underway, and tankers linked to PDVSA operations continue to sail," adding, "We will always act in accordance with the constitution." The intent is to continue exporting crude oil.
Earlier, President Trump designated the Venezuelan regime as a "foreign terrorist organization (FTO)" and ordered authorities to completely block the entry and exit of sanctioned tankers to and from Venezuela.