<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FORM 10K
OF HOWELL CORPORATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998, AND IS QUALIFIED IN
ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           5,871
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,230
<ALLOWANCES>                                       156
<INVENTORY>                                         40
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                24,787
<PP&E>                                         430,964
<DEPRECIATION>                                 309,330
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 166,291
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           36,159
<BONDS>                                        102,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                        690
<COMMON>                                         5,472
<OTHER-SE>                                      20,709
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   166,291
<SALES>                                         51,422
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                51,422
<CGS>                                          141,634
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  141,634
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              11,005
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              (104,156)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (36,337)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (67,819)
<DISCONTINUED>                                     266
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (67,553)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (12.79)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (12.79)