US intervention in Venezuela is set to create serious headwinds for crude oil shipments destined for China, but don't expect an immediate supply crunch just yet. Here's why: massive volumes of sanctioned crude are currently floating at anchor across global waters, effectively acting as a reserve buffer. This floating storage mechanism will cushion the short-term impact before the real squeeze kicks in. For energy markets watching from the sidelines, it's a reminder that geopolitical power plays and logistical realities often move at different speeds. The question becomes—how long can these stockpiles sustain flows once the political pressure fully translates into enforcement?