SANTO DOMINGO. – Treasury minister Vicente Bengoa announced Tuesday that Venezuela will pay US$131.5 million in cash for a 49% stake in the Dominican Republic’s only refinery, not later January 18.
He said there’s much confusion in the interpretation of the agreement reached with Venezuela Petroleum (PDVSA).
The official said as part of the Petrocaribe crude deal, Refidomsa is responsible for purchase of petroleum and its derivatives “and when it’s time to pay it does so through the Treasury Ministry.”
“What we are going to do, starting from the signature with PDVSA and until January 18, 2010, Treasury will remain with 100% of that cash, Bengoa said, adding that the fuel commitments with by Petrocaribe will barely reach US$20.4 million this year.

That will cover 5 plus years of the MERTO subsidy, good deal LIE-onel Fernandez!