Exhibit 16


                        [ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP LETTERHEAD]

June 27, 2002

Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549

Dear Sir/Madam:

The representations made in this letter are based solely on discussions with and
representations from the engagement partner and manager on the audits of the
financial statements of the registrant for the two most recent fiscal years.
Those individuals are no longer with Arthur Andersen LLP. We have read the first
through fourth paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated June 27, 2002
of Vintage Petroleum, Inc. 401(k) Plan to be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and have found no basis for disagreement with the statements
contained therein.

Very truly yours

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
Arthur Andersen LLP

cc: Mr. Michael F. Meimerstorf, VP & Controller, Vintage Petroleum, Inc.