The world market for crude oil and refined products is constantly changing and evolving to keep pace with the world's insatiable appetite for energy products. This practice area is inherently international, and deeply impacted by global and political conditions. We have witnessed the contraction of the refining industry, as well as the introduction and disappearance of specialty refined products. We have monitored landmark legislation impacting the oil industry, and advised on environmental concerns affecting its participants. Our representation of companies in the crude oil and refined product industries includes advice and counseling regarding:
- Contract documentation of spot and long-term crude and refined products supply agreements;
- Acquisition and disposition of petroleum refining assets;
- Long-term processing agreements with U.S. and international refiners;
- Joint marketing arrangements;
- Inventory financing arrangements for petroleum refiners and crude oil gatherers;
- Supply of petroleum products to the U.S. Government;
- Establishment of oil heating reserve for the U.S. Government and sales of crude oil to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve;
- Preparation and negotiation of terminaling and throughput agreements;
- Full corporate representation of petroleum refiners and trading firms;
- Preparation of pipeline transportation agreements;
- Environmental matters and compliance, including oil spill risk management and compliance;
- Compliance with U.S. restrictions on international trade, sanctions and anti-boycott regulations;
- Export authorization for crude oil and exchanges with Canadian entities;
- Customs matters and Jones Act restrictions;
- Litigation of commercial disputes;
- Federal and state income and transaction taxes affecting petroleum transactions;
- Purchase of crude oil and refined products trading books; and
- Maritime and shipping.
© 2010 Sutherland Asbill & Brennan LLP