Citgo Flies American Flag at Half-Staff to Honor Hugo Chavez

Citgo Petroleum is paying tribute to the late Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez by reportedly flying its flags at half-staff at some of its Texas refineries. 

Citgo is owned entirely by the Venezuelan government.

In a statement, Citgo said, “President Hugo Chávez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela leaves behind a legacy of support for the underprivileged and promotion of social justice that transcends geographical boundaries.”

The oil company went on to say “We at CITGO Petroleum Corporation are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Venezuela in this time of grief.”

News of Citgo’s tribute to the late dictator sparked outrage on Twitter and elsewhere.

“What a disgrace!!!  We should boycott Citgo,” read one Tweet.

“This is the reason I NEVER buy gas at Citgo unless I’m about to run out (1 gallon then).  Never will,” read another.

Chavez, 58, died Tuesday from cancer.