EXHIBIT NO. 99.1

                           Press Release

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


                     HOWELL RETIRES TERM LOAN

      HOUSTON,   TEXAS,   MARCH  30,  1999  -  HOWELL   CORPORATION
(HWL:NYSE;  HWLLP:NASDAQ)  completed the previously  announced sale
of the Grass Creek Unit in Hot  Springs  County,  Wyoming,  and the
Pitchfork  Unit in Park  County,  Wyoming,  to Marathon Oil Company
for  a  $12,375,000   purchase   price.   Marathon   operates  both
properties.  The  proceeds  of the  sale  were  used to pay off the
remaining balance of a term loan which was due on May 30, 1999.

Since  mid-December,  Howell has reduced its debt by  approximately
$53  million,  including  the $30  million  term  loan  which  bore
interest  at almost 11% (Libor  plus 600 basis  points).  By paying
off the term loan early,  Howell will  achieve  savings in interest
expense.    Total   net    indebtedness   has   been   reduced   to
approximately   $84   million   today.   Only   fully   conforming,
long-term  debt  now  remains  outstanding.  The  current  interest
rate is approximately 7.5% (Libor plus 250 basis points).

The Grass Creek and Pitchfork  fields produce  approximately  1,500
net  barrels  of oil per day  from  over  280  wells  producing  in
multiple  horizons.  The crude oil is low gravity  (18-24  degree),
sour  crude  which  typically  sells at a  discount  to West  Texas
Intermediate crude oil.

Howells President,  Richard K. Hebert commented,  "When oil prices
dropped to historic low levels  during the past twelve  months,  it
caused Howell to re-direct its focus to  strengthening  our balance
sheet,  preserving cash flow, and meeting our short-term  financial
obligations.  The  completion  of the  Grass  Creek  and  Pitchfork
property  sale allowed us to retire the  remainder of our term loan
which  represents a significant  milestone for Howell.  The Company
will continue to consider sales of other  non-core  assets in those
situations  where  it can  realize  attractive  values  as  well as
continue  to  strengthen  the balance  sheet.  In addition to asset
rationalization,  Howell has revised its capital budget  consistent
with current  market  conditions,  and  eliminated  selected  jobs,
where appropriate.

Despite  the  property  sales  completed   during  the  last  three
months,  Howell's current daily  production is approximately  7,100
barrels of oil,  450 barrels of NGLs,  and 8.8  million  cubic feet
of  natural  gas.  We have  retained  the  Company's  key  operated
assets in  Wyoming,  the Salt  Creek and Elk  Basin  fields,  which
were  acquired from Amoco  Production  Company in December of 1997.
Together   those  fields   represent   approximately   69%  of  the
company's  oil  production  and  about  64%  of  its  total  proved
reserves.   As  prices  improve,  we  feel  that  these  properties
provide  a  quality  core  asset  base  around  which  to grow  the
Company."

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 27 A 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, and government regulation.

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