Maine exploring discount heating oil deal with Venezuela

AUGUSTA, Maine — One day after Venezuelan officials signed an agreement to provide 12 million gallons of discounted home heating oil to low-income Massachusetts residents, Baldacci administration officials confirmed that Maine is exploring a similar deal.

Beth Nagusky, Gov. John Baldacci´s top aide on energy matters, said Wednesday that discussions are in a very early stage and declined to provide details.

Nagusky said talks with Venezuela were part of Baldacci´s desire to "leave no stone unturned" in searching for ways to ensure Maine has enough fuel for the needy this winter.

Venezuela, a key supplier of U.S. oil imports, produces a significant share of petroleum products used in Maine. Citgo Petroleum Corp. is the Houston-based subsidiary of Venezuela´s state-owned oil company and has about 13,500 independently owned U.S. gas stations.

Link Here