Venezuelan oil state firm Pdvsa's refining branch in the United States Citgo Wednesday offered a USD 1 million donation to contribute to rescue operations following hurricane Katrina, one of the worst natural disasters hitting the US ever.

Félix Rodríguez, head of Citgo, one of the major oil refiners in the United States, said the funds would be directed to appropriate relief organizations in the affected areas, Reuters reported.

"Our hearts go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy and Citgo stands prepared to offer its assistance," Rodríguez said.

Houston-based Citgo has two oil refineries affected by the hurricane. These plants mostly refine Venezuelan heavy crude oil.

Chalmette refinery, a joint venture between Exxon-Mobil and Citgo, is still shut down, while Lake Charles facilities, also in Louisiana has suspended operations.