Quote: LUKOIL sells gasoline in 59 regions of Russia and in 16 other countries (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Republic of Macedonia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, USA and Ukraine), and is planning to start in Montenegro. As of the end of 2004, it has 199 tank farms and 5,405 gas stations.[3] In 2000, LUKOIL purchased the remaining assets of Getty Oil, and began opening Lukoil stations in the United States in 2003. Most of the American LUKOIL stations are converted Getty stations, though some are also converted Mobil stations bought from ConocoPhillips when that company left the Northeast. In Spring 2004, Lukoil purchased 779 Mobil gas stations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, and in 2005 began converting them to the Lukoil brand.

Quote: Venezuelan controversy On 27 September 2006 the 7-Eleven chain of convenience stores announced its 20-year contract with Citgo was coming to an end and would not be renewed. 7-11 Spokeswoman Margaret Chabris said "Regardless of politics, we sympathize with many Americans' concern over derogatory comments about our country and its leadership recently made by Venezuela's president. Certainly Chavez's position and statements over the past year or so didn't tempt us to stay with Citgo." Later she said that "People are making it out to be more than it is."[1] Citgo's Chief Executive Felix Rodriquez accused 7-Eleven of exploiting the situation to score political points against Chavez by pointing out that the decision to terminate the contract had already been made back in July. Chavez continued to make controversial statements despite his government's ownership of a firm which was heaviliy dependent on U.S. consumer support. In January 2007 he was quoted as saying "Go to Hell, Gringos" in response to criticism from the U.S. government regarding his decisions as Venezuelan president.[2] Chavez has stated he will enact reforms to make Venezuela a socialist state, including nationalizing the telecom, electricity and natural gas sectors.[3] Perhaps in an effort to mitigate the damage to its image from being associated with Chavez, Citgo launched a national ad campaign in the fall of 2006 emphasizing the company's corporate social responsibility[4]. National television ads also aired through February 2007 featuring ordinary Americans thanking Citgo and Venezuela for providing discounted heating oil to low-income people.

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