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O'Connor said the Venezuelan-owned Citgo Petroleum Corp. intends to provide nearly 8 million gallons of heating oil and kerosene to roughly 40,000 low-income Maine households at a 40 percent discount from the retail price. Nationally, the program will cover 16 states and provide cut-rate oil to more that 400,000 households.
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In a statement coinciding with Tuesday's oil delivery, Baldacci said, "It is a good opportunity for people to review that program and decide whether they want to take advantage of it."
For Leonard, who keeps the thermostat in her first-floor apartment at 60 degrees to conserve fuel, the decision was a no-brainer, even as she deflected questions about Chavez and his relations with the U.S. "I think it's wonderful that he's looking out for people," she said.
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"Ultimately, it's the consumer who's going to determine whether they want to deal with Citizens Energy and whether they want a discount," Py said. "I've got to think that if it's January and I can get $500 worth of oil for $300, it's going to be a pretty easy decision for most people, not withstanding where the oil comes from."
Citgo is also providing discounted oil under a separate program to 163 Indian tribes, including five in Maine. The company has also earmarked 500,000 gallons of free fuel to homeless shelters across the state.
http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/12132006/mainenews-ph-me-venezuela.oil.html