THE Venezuelan navy has seized three state-owned tankers suspected of being involved in smuggling of diesel from the country's Paraguana peninsula.
Reuters reports that the 1996-built 47,144-dwt Negra Hipolita owned by PDVSA, the Venezuelan state-owned company, had an excess load of 50,000 barrels of diesel fuel at the Cardon refinery.
The remaining two tankers, included the Panama-flagged 2010-built Marios G, chartered by PDVSA, and a tanker said to be called Paola Valentina, had in excess of 15,000 litres of fuel allegedly being smuggled.
Nine people were reported to have been detained by the navy. An investigation was said to be underway. This move comes as the Venezuelan government tries to curb fuel smuggling and corruption activities in its oil and gas sector, Reuters said.
The charterer of a Russian-flagged tanker allegedly detained in Libya issued a statement dismissing oil-smuggling charges.
"Media allegations that the vessel was smuggling oil from one of Libya's ports are groundless. The ship was empty. The arrest is illegal," Oil Marin Group said.
TANKERS
21 September 2015 - 20:55
Venezuelan oil smuggled by state-owned tankers taking more than declared
THE Venezuelan navy has seized three state-owned tankers suspected of being involved in smuggling of diesel from the country's Paraguana peninsula.
TANKERS
21 September 2015 - 20:55
Venezuelan oil smuggled by state-owned tankers taking more than declared
This news 10806 hits received.
These news may also interest you