Bismarck Tribune - North Dakota News - Citgo to stop selling gasoline to hundreds of U.S. stations

Citgo to stop selling gasoline to hundreds of U.S. stations

Jul 13, 2006 - 02:10:00 CDT

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuela-owned Citgo Petroleum Corp. has decided to stop distributing gasoline to 1,800 independently owned U.S. stations, including some in North Dakota.

While it may create some logistical headaches for gasoline retailers in the short term, the move should not have any impact on the nation's overall fuel supply.

Citgo, which is wholly owned by Venezuela's state oil company, currently has to purchase 130,000 barrels a day from third parties in order to meet its service contracts at 13,100 Citgo-branded stations across the U.S. This is less profitable than selling gasoline directly from its refineries.

Instead, the Houston-based company has decided to sell to retailers only the 750,000 barrels a day that it produces at three U.S. refineries.

As a result, the Citgo brand will disappear entirely from 10 states, including North Dakota, and be less common in four additional states by March 2007, when the change goes into effect.

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Comments

donna wrote on Jan 22, 2007 2:45 PM:

" the only way we will ever get anything done in this country,is, when they start sending politicians and lawyers jobs to india,china and the far east. "

FedUp wrote on Sep 29, 2006 10:37 AM:

" I agree to stop buying anything from Citgo stations,and thereby supporting openly "anti American" countries. Now that I've said that, lets stop outsourcing our American businesses to communist countries,ie:IBM to China,Maytag,etc,etc.Keep American businesses IN America,not Mexico,India,Thailand,Portugal,and any other country our companies have decided to relocate to. If they like those countries so much better than the USA, then,by God,move your families there and go live under those regimes,and laws.I'm sick of the wealthy (white trash with money)not caring about what's left of middle class Americans. "

Antonio wrote on Sep 28, 2006 11:20 AM:

" Citgo brand gas should be total banned (or boycotted) from the American market 'till the president of Venezuela (current of future one) offers an appology to the American people and our president George W. Bush for the insults voiced by Venezuela's president, Hugo "I want to be the next Castro" Chavez. "

redherkey wrote on Sep 15, 2006 11:49 PM:

" Bizarre how some people defend thugs like Chavez. Typical I guess of middle and upper class lazy US citizens who don't have a reference to work with. My friends in Caracas are terrified by Chavez. He's very effectively destroying the middle class. He's "nationalized" peoples farms, ranches and businesses and given them to his friends. He's kidnapped or killed political opponents. The message is clear in Venezuela: shut up and accept what is coming or die. Any American that defends this man is a danger to freedom. Go talk to real middle class people in Venezuala and learn just what it is really like before you support such tyranny. "

glensho wrote on Jul 19, 2006 1:28 PM:

" Banc, et al. Good to hear someone insert a bit of sense into this debate. It is mind boggling that anyone considers Chavez a dictator, much less a communist. He is a duly elected individual. He is a leader who was threatened by the U.S. with a coup, and threat on his life, and therefore monitors had to be sent in to ensure the election that put him in legitimately. Backing leaders into a corner, as Bush and his people have, certainly is less than diplomatic and has created an atmosphere where folks will come out fighting. Oil and water wars are in the future. Countries arming themselves are involved more in protection of their assests than attacking the U.S. The barbarians really are not at the gate. "

Banc wrote on Jul 19, 2006 10:48 AM:

" To Beesh >> I knew of Chavez's remarks. I simply wanted to hear something/anything concrete from some of the posters who seem to have more emotional motivation than anything. Having said that, his quotes use the word "IF" a sufficient number of times for me to keep on buying Citgo gasoline. And let us not forget the short coup the USA totally endorsed in 2002. Were you in his shoes, you'd make similar comments. If one is to actually use the argument that to buy Citgo gas is supporting a Communist dictator, then one really needs to look at where the big American oil companies get their oil. One can begin here: http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/company_level_imports/current/summary2005.html 14+% of America's oil comes from Venezuela. Beesh-- I wish you the best of luck in convincing Washington, D.C. to stop buying their petroleum. "

OH BROTHER wrote on Jul 17, 2006 9:15 AM:

" Sorry Andy - not trying to ruffle any feathers. My solution involves better awareness by the American citizens to help put people into the government who will actually carry our voices and make a difference. It's a much bigger picture than 'don't buy gas from Citgo' and everthing will be back to normal...... As to the price of gas, I'm not trying to just complain about the price - true, I don't like paying the @$3 a gallon, but as long as I need to get to work, I need to pay it. To 'oil greed', I think if you did some research, you would see that it isn't a matter of "Citgo thinks the state of ND isn't worth keeping stations open ...our money isn't as good as other parts of the country". We're all past the he said she said, but thanks for your insight! "

Beesh wrote on Jul 17, 2006 8:02 AM:

" to Banc, The influence Barney talks about is the guilt ridden demands by the neo-conservationalists who stand in the way of the USA when it comes to sustaining ourselves by drilling for our oil reserves. Sierra Club, Greenpeace, and other socialist groups. The only reason Chavez is selling discounted heating oil to poorer Americans in New England area is to embarrass the administration and fool those recipients into believing he even cares. It was reported on April 3, 2006 in the UK Telegraph that Hugo Chavez said "If somebody meddles with Venezuela, they'll repent for 100 centuries," he said. "If we have to fight a war to defend this country, we'll make blood flow." For example, Mr Chavez has been buying military hardware, including Russian helicopters, 100,000 AK-47 rifles and Brazilian and Spanish equipment he says Venezuela needs to defend itself. Chavez has repeatedly made these threats. Not just a one time comment like Roberson, who apologized, did. So in my opinion, supporting Citigo is supporting a Communionist dictator out to kill YOU. "

oil greed wrote on Jul 15, 2006 3:58 PM:

" Funny with $3+ gas Citgo thinks the state of ND isn't worth keeping stations open ...our money isn't as good as other parts of the country hmmmm thought it was minted by a few companies and earned like everyone else earned money. Do I see greed knockin out BP soon or Mobil? its not a shortage its greed that makes gas so high. My cousin said in CA the newspapers told where CA got their gas from CA , Iran, Iraq. Than Katrina hit prices went up and they don't even get their gas from the Gulf ...go figure (GREED) "

Banc wrote on Jul 14, 2006 8:00 PM:

" ANDY >> I have yet to see a nuclear car. And I certainly don't see any nuclear semi-trucks delivering EVERY single thing you and I own or eat. Now for electricity production, the nuclear option can included in an appropriate forum. Alas, this is not. I didn't get a response from Barney, so I will ask of you to detail President Chavez's "anti-American" policies. Also include how he is worse than anyone in Washington, D.C. "

Andy wrote on Jul 14, 2006 11:46 AM:

" To "Oh Brother" - sorry, I did not realize you were such an expert in the area of energy options. However, I did notice that while you are quick to criticize me and complain about the price of gasoline, no potential solutions are proposed. This is a typical response to our energy shortages from the left - not to say that is your affiliation. Nuclear energy is bad, gasoline is bad (especially if it comes from Anwar), coal is bad... Should we all just revert to the middle ages and ride horses? "

OH BROTHER wrote on Jul 14, 2006 11:09 AM:

" To Andy - yeah, let's produce more nuclear enegy, and let's also store the spent plutonium in our land of plenty, the good ol' state of North Dakota. Maybe you should read up on the energy issues for a few more facts. I agree with Banc on the expense of gas - I don't enjoy paying the @3 we pay now. Unfortunately, we are a wasteful country. "

Andy wrote on Jul 14, 2006 10:41 AM:

" Another wakeup call for exploring other sources of energy. Long-term, we need to look outside the realm of petroleum-based energy (perhaps hydrogen technology), but until that day arrives, let's open up off-coast drilling and Anwar. There is also another source available that is clean and efficient - nuclear power. France has made it work, so why can't we? An immediate boycott of Citgo (for those who haven't done so already) seems to be an appropriate response to Hugo's anti-American policies. "

Brad wrote on Jul 14, 2006 9:55 AM:

" I say lets all stop buying CITGO gas and that will encourage the local dealers to buy from US independs and soon CITGO will have no market and have to sell off their refinery to an American Company at a bargain price. Then we as Americans will have additional capacity of our own. "

lester.J wrote on Jul 14, 2006 7:53 AM:

" this is what happens when you let other country take over u.s companys. wake up america this is only the first of many. "

frankito wrote on Jul 14, 2006 3:46 AM:

" Hello...no more oil...time to use alternate energy sources or this country is going to go down the tubes....The dollar is getting weaker. "

LRAYC wrote on Jul 14, 2006 12:06 AM:

" Will they stop selling here in Michigan? "

cougar53 wrote on Jul 13, 2006 10:37 PM:

" I've read a number of comments and seems too me that most of you guys hate everybody who is supporting you, you do not like gas from Venezuela, free from Iraq is not comming - and as per president Bush America is addicted to the oil, so what is next - middle east they have own problems, maybe it is time for automakers to wake-up. "

the flame wrote on Jul 13, 2006 9:40 PM:

" i love citgo gas "

Banc wrote on Jul 13, 2006 8:54 PM:

" Barney >> and just what influence would that be? The discounted heating oil for poorer Americans in New England area? Please detail. Also, please attribute the line about Chavez talking about killing Americans. So it's okay for Robertson and Bush to openly talk about taking Chavez "out"? Saco Stan >> They don't care about the good things done or that ANWAR drilling will not/cannot provide refining capacity. They should also take a good look at just how little oil ANWAR drilling will actually produce. Stations like Citgo help to keep gas prices competitive. Obviously, you all will have NO problem paying $4/gallon or more... "

Naked Driver wrote on Jul 13, 2006 8:27 PM:

" i don't know if the pullout affects iowa, but if so, i say, good riddance. half of their stations don't have "patp" at all, or it doesn't work, making me go inside to pay, and i find that inconvenient. plus, most of their employees never seem to be overly friendly. maybe if we stop supporting this dictator, his regime will fall. it's a hope anyway. "

jim wrote on Jul 13, 2006 7:28 PM:

" tar and feather the oil reps!! "

Gozman wrote on Jul 13, 2006 6:32 PM:

" Since Chavez and Venezula are anti-American I will not purchace gas fron Citgo. As far as I'm concerned Citgo can leave the USA. "

DS wrote on Jul 13, 2006 5:07 PM:

" I guess its time for the Citgo independently owned stations to start buying from independent U.S. distributors and to take the Citgo signs down. That includes some 7-Eleven gas and convenience stores (our local one has Citgo on the pumps.) Depending upon the news story, either the difference may go to China now who is aggressively buying up oil worldwide, or the supply was simply shortages the Citgo U.S. refineries could not produce and had to buy elsewhere for their stations and then sell at a "loss." This also follows Chavez nationalizing several foreign oil companies' assets in April 2006 (this isn't the first time) and assessing a higher windfall profit tax on the rest. "

Saco Stan wrote on Jul 13, 2006 4:19 PM:

" So, Citgo does have to behave like the other major oil companies. Surprise!! Let us also not overlook that it was only Citgo that so fit to help the poor by donating millions of gallons of heating oil to programs providing assistance to the needy last winter. Drilling for oil in ANWR does not provide refining capacity. "

DMZ wrote on Jul 13, 2006 2:49 PM:

" So your profits are dropping aah... Well, you just lost another customer! "

Barney wrote on Jul 13, 2006 1:59 PM:

" Kent Lasater - I agree with you but when we have disgraceful senators from ND who hold up opening drilling in ANWAR to please their tree hugger contributors it won't happen. We either need to get rid of those two Senators or dig a hole in ANWAR, put a tree in that hole and tell the tree huggers that unless we drill the tree will die - they will allow the US to open up the wilderness to save the tree but not to allow the country to become energy independent and our two disgraceful Senators allow that to happen by voting on what is in their own interests in getting re-elected by giving into their special interset groups. "

scprez wrote on Jul 13, 2006 1:50 PM:

" GOOD, I haven't puurchased a drop of gas or food from them ever since Chavez said the things he said about wanting to kill Americans. If Citgo leaves our area, maybe I can start using those locations to buy gas again. "

Kent Lasater wrote on Jul 13, 2006 12:11 PM:

" This is more reason for the U.S. to begin offshore drilling (Cuba and China will begin drilling 45 miles off the coast of Florida), Anwar, oil shale fields in Wyoming and Montana for both economic and strategic security reasons. "

BC wrote on Jul 13, 2006 12:01 PM:

" Great I hope we all stop PURCHASING everything from Citgo in the entire county NOW "

Barney wrote on Jul 13, 2006 10:52 AM:

" Good - get rid of Chavez and Venezula's influence in the US. "

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