Now based in Houston, CITGO raised some eyebrows by flying both the American and Texas flags at half-staff on Wednesday to honor Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who died of cancer on Tuesday. CITGO released the following statement honoring Chavez.

"President Hugo Chávez of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela leaves behind a legacy of support for the underprivileged and promotion of social justice that transcends geographical boundaries. We at CITGO Petroleum Corporation are deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the people of Venezuela in this time of grief."

Other CITGO offices in Texas and Louisiana followed suit.

One Louisiana resident told Fox news “I think I used a profanity when I saw it this morning, I was disgusted."

The US and Texas flags have now been raised again but the companies flag remains at half-staff. Citgo is owned by Venezuela's national oil company.