Oil prices rise in Asian market early trading, tensions between the United States and Venezuela intensify.

Oil prices rose in early trading in Asia, as tensions between the United States and Venezuela intensified, which could lead to supply interruptions. Near-month WTI crude oil futures rose by 0.5% to $56.79 per barrel, while near-month Brent crude oil futures rose by 0.5% to $60.77 per barrel. According to U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the U.S. boarded an oil tanker that had previously stopped in Venezuela and was flying the flag of Panama on Saturday. This marks the second such action taken by the U.S. in recent weeks. Nielsen said, "The United States will continue to investigate illegal shipments of sanctioned oil used to fund drug terrorism in the region."