EXHIBIT NO. 99.1

                                  Press Release

                                          NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                     Contact:  John E.Brewster, Jr.
                                                    Vice President, Corporate
                                                    Development & Planning
                                                    (713) 658-4084

                         HOWELL CLOSES SALE OF MINERALS

HOUSTON,  TEXAS,  DECEMBER  17, 1998 C HOWELL  CORPORATION  (HWL:  NYSE;  HWLLP:
NASDAQ) closed on its previously  announced sale of mineral  estates and royalty
interests  located in the states of  Alabama,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana  for
$13,000,000.  The minerals  properties  were acquired by Howell in 1993 from the
Federal   Intermediate   Credit  Bank  of  Jackson.  In  addition  to  the  cash
consideration, Howell retained a Net Profits Interest of 10% after payout.

The proceeds of the transaction will be used by Howell to retire debt.

Richard K. Hebert, President of Howell, commented, "We are pleased to consummate
this sale. A primary  short-term  financial goal is to prepay the non-conforming
tranche  of our  debt.  This sale  represents  significant  progress  as the net
proceeds  will  reduce  that  portion  of our  debt by  more  than  25%.  We are
continuing  to  investigate  other   recapitalization   alternatives   including
additional asset sales."

Howell  Corporation,  based in Houston,  Texas, is an independent energy company
engaged in the acquisition,  exploitation,  and exploration of producing oil and
gas properties.

This press release  includes  forward looking  statements  within the meaning of
Section 27A of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934.  Although  Howell  believes
that its  expectations  are based upon  reasonable  assumptions,  it can give no
assurance  that its goals will be achieved.  Important  factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements
herein include the timing and extent of changes in commodity  prices for oil and
gas, the need to develop and replace  reserves,  uninsured risks,  environmental
risks,   drilling  and  operating  risks,   risks  related  to  exploration  and
development,  the  availability of capital  resources,  uncertainties  about the
estimates of reserves,  competition,  government regulation,  and the ability of
the company to meet its stated business goals.

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