BOSTON - Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy says Citgo has suspended its free heating oil program for low-income residents.

Kennedy said Monday the Venezuelan government's Texas-based oil subsidiary cited falling oil prices and the world economic crisis for forcing the company to reevaluated all of its social programs.

The oil program has provided hundreds of thousands of low-income U.S. households with fuel assistance.

Kennedy urged those who have been helped by the program to write Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to share their stories.

Citgo began the national program in 2005 with Boston-based Citizens Energy, a nonprofit run by Kennedy. He planned a news conference later Monday to discuss the program.

(This version CORRECTS the headine to 'suspends' from 'pulls out of.')

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