The US antitrust regulator will allow Chevron Corp. to proceed with its $53 billion acquisition of Hess Corp. on the condition Chief Executive Officer John Hess is barred from the supermajor’s board, alleging he improperly communicated with OPEC.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -The U.S. Federal Trade Commission allowed Chevron's $53 billion purchase of Hess Corp on Monday, in an order that barred Hess CEO John Hess from Chevron's board. The FTC's order leaves Exxon Mobil's challenge to the deal, which is expected to stretch deep into next year, as its final hurdle.

The FTC on Monday alleged that John Hess encouraged OPEC representatives to take action that supports higher oil prices. Hess Corp. and Chevron have agreed that they will not appoint Hess to the board in order to facilitate the completion of the merger.