Wednesday April 3, 2002

American Refining Group Announces the Purchase of

Pennzoil-Quaker State Company’s

PennzSuppress^® Dust Suppressant Product Line.

American Refining Group will manufacture and market a premier dust suppressant under the PennzSuppress^® trademark.

American Refining Group, Inc. (ARG) announced today that it has purchased certain assets from Pennzoil-Quaker State Company which gives ARG the exclusive right to manufacture and market PennzSuppress^® D dust suppressant throughout the United States. ARG also acquired the patent rights to the PennzSuppress^® D formulation.  PennzSuppress^® is a unique, environmentally safe, emulsified petroleum resin developed to help suppress dust and stabilize soil.  It has been extensively tested to determine that it is safe for the environment, safe for workers handling the product, non-corrosive to the vehicles and equipment used to apply the product and travel the treated roads.

Harvey Golubock, President and COO of American Refining Group, stated, “The purchase of the PennzSuppress^® product line is consistent with our vision of developing an increased number of petroleum specialties to complement our traditional refining business. ARG had been furnishing a key raw material to Pennzoil-Quaker State Company for the manufacture of PennzSuppress^® D so when they chose to exit the market it was a natural progression for ARG to acquire the product line.   For the customers, this means an uninterrupted supply of the same product that they had been purchasing from Pennzoil-Quaker State Company.”

To support the product in the marketplace and to ensure a smooth transition ARG hired Rick Carlson and Colin Kimball, two former Pennzoil-Quaker State Company employees who have intimate knowledge of PennzSuppress^® D, its applications, markets and customers. ARG will commence manufacturing at its refinery in Bradford, PA in about six weeks, following the relocation of some essential manufacturing equipment from the former site.  Product should be available in time to supply the demand for the spring and summer months.