The Brazilian tanker Amazonian Explorer - carrying 525,000 barrels of oil - arrived on Saturday and docked at Puerto La Cruz, 220 kilometres east of the capital, Caracas. Venezuela has been forced to import food and fuel due to worsening shortages.
Opposition groups, trade unions and business leaders have vowed to continue the stoppage which began on 2 December until President Chavez steps down, however the President remains defiant. "We haven't yet obtained victory but we are going to win the battle for [state oil company] PDVSA, the battle for Venezuela," President Chavez said.
The government says troops and loyal oil workers are moving tanker ships and restarting halted production wells - a claim disputed by striking oil executives. Talks between the two sides, mediated by the Organisation of American States, are due to resume this week.
