New Hampshire accepts Venezuelan oil

The state scorned the free assistance two years ago, but costs have risen.

CONCORD, N.H. — Two years ago, New Hampshire refused to accept heating oil from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the pro-Castro U.S. critic who once called President Bush “the devil.” But with fuel prices rising, well, free oil is free oil.

With the state’s blessing, New Hampshire residents will be receiving some of the fuel this winter.


New Hampshire becomes the last state in the Northeast to embrace the offer.

“A lot of people have said, ‘We need help and we value any help we can get,’ ” said Amy Ignatius, director of the state’s office of energy and planning.

AP