U.S. oil markets see price drop, merger talks, and ongoing tanker seizures

U.S. crude oil prices fell this week after government data showed an increase in stockpiles, indicating more supply is available. At the same time, two major shale producers, Devon Energy and Coterra Energy, are reportedly in talks to merge.

Separately, U.S. forces have seized several foreign-flagged oil tankers in recent weeks, with reports indicating the government is seeking legal justifications to seize dozens more. This activity is part of a broader focus on oil policy, with headlines discussing Trump's stated goal of lowering oil prices and his administration's efforts to reshape global oil supply, including potential deals involving Venezuelan oil.