Conflicts in the PDVSA subsidiary in the United States: three displaced executives close to Nicolás Maduro's regime

Citgo Petroleum Corp has sacked three executives close to Asdrúbal Chávez, named Nicolás Maduro to head the American subsidiary of PDVSA, two sources informed of the decision, which aims to let control of the company a new board of directors. 39; administration.

Citgo, the most important badet of Venezuela abroad, has been at the center of political fight this is happening in the South American country, at a time when the opposition – which has the support of most Western countries – is seeking to compel Maduro to run for and hold new presidential elections.

Last week, the National Assembly of Venezuela chaired by Juan Guaidó appointed a new administration for the subsidiary headed by Venezuelan Luisa Palacios and a group of executives from the oil sector. The changes reported on Monday seem to indicate a change of direction of the company, which leaves the power of decision to the directors who recognize the authority of the leader of the opposition.

Frank Gygax, Nepmar Escalona and Simón Suárez, all promoted by Asdrúbal Chávez (cousin of the late president) withdrew from the cabinet accompanied by Human Resources staff, according to sources contacted by Reuters, which did not specify whether they were dismissals, resignations or withdrawals.

The new board appointed by Guaidó has not yet badumed office at the company's headquarters in Houston. However, the Venezuelan Supreme Court issued a ruling on Thursday banning the country's exit and blocking the accounts of 15 new leaders.

In recent weeks, Citgo's headquarters have been split and PDVSA has sought to remove American citizens from its board of directors. At the same time, he tried to organize a legal strategy to block the appointments expected.

Some Venezuelan leaders were called to Caracas, others were fired and Maduro Loyalists reappeared suddenly, said people familiar with the company's operations.

The Donald Trump government is closely monitoring Citgo as its refineries, terminals and network of 5,500 service stations are located on US soil.

(With information from Reuters)