<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The financial data schedule contains summary financial information
extracted from the Form 10-Q of Howell Corporation for the nine months ended
September 30, 2000, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> Dec-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> Sep-30-2000
<CASH> 5372
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 11951
<ALLOWANCES> 66
<INVENTORY> 40
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 19032
<PP&E> 417037
<DEPRECIATION> 318644
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 119914
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 19202
<BONDS> 67000
0
690
<COMMON> 5525
<OTHER-SE> 26910
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 119914
<SALES> 58365
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 58365
<CGS> 27619
<TOTAL-COSTS> 27619
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 4768
<INCOME-PRETAX> 23207
<INCOME-TAX> 8355
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 14852
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 14852
<EPS-BASIC> 2.36
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.90
</TABLE>
