Citgo suspends low-income heating oil program

Citgo suspends low-income heating oil program

By RUSSELL CONTRERAS – 1 hour ago

BOSTON (AP) — Citgo, the Venezuelan government's Texas-based oil subsidiary, has suspended shipments of heating oil for poor families in the United States, citing falling oil prices and the world economic crisis, the nonprofit organization that distributes the fuel said Monday.

The controversial program gave fuel from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's government to 200,000 households in 23 states through Citizens Energy, a charity organization run by Joseph Kennedy, the eldest son of late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

Started as a discount oil program in 2005, beginning in 2006 the program sent 100 gallons of free oil a year to eligible households. It drew fire from critics who called it a ploy by Chavez to undermine the Bush administration.

Citgo donated $100 million worth of heating oil last year, according to Citizens Energy.

At a news conference held at Citizens Energy's Boston headquarters, Kennedy said Citgo officials told him of their decision and he was forced to go public so that households expecting the assistance will know what's happening.

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