Pasco, Washington-Based Distributor Receives Distinguished Status for Excellence in Best Practices

HOUSTON (September 2007) – ConocoPhillips Company, the fourth largest U.S. lubricants supplier, today announced that Connell Oil in Pasco, Wash., has achieved Top Tier Marketer status for exceeding quality, safety and environmental operations standards. The elite recognition is awarded to a select number of ConocoPhillips Lubricants distributors that have exceeded the company’s rigorous Marketer Operations Standards practices, which were created to help protect the product quality of the ConocoPhillips Lubricants brands and improve the efficiency of safety and environmental programs, according to Gary Balzhiser, manager of commercial lubricants.

"We are very proud of Connell Oil and the exceptional work they have done," said Balzhiser. "Connell Oil has proven to be extremely successful in achieving the high operation and quality standards of ConocoPhillips Lubricants and will be joining an elite group of Marketers from across the country that share this distinguished recognition."

Top Tier status was introduced to ConocoPhillips Lubricants distributors in 2005 as part of new Marketer Operations Standards guidelines set by the company. The standards are based on strict American Petroleum Institute (API) recommended practices set forth to ensure oil and lubricants distributors meet all expectations for product quality control and that all lubricants operations are conducted in a safe and environmentally acceptable manner.

"We really appreciate being recognized by our supplier for our efforts to improve safety and maintain product integrity. Product quality and safety don’t just happen. They cost money and require dedicated employees to see them through," says Brad Bell, Company President.

Lubricants Marketers that receive and distribute bulk oil are eligible for Top Tier status consideration. Top Tier status is also required for a Marketer to be approved for blending oils, packaging grease and railroad engine oil handling.

Connell Oil is a full service petroleum distributor that began distributing ConocoPhillips Lubricants products in July 1987, and currently offers the Conoco, Phillips 66, Kendall Motor Oil and Union 76 brands.

About Connell Oil

Founded in Connell, Washington in 1987, Connell Oil provides a variety of petroleum products and services. The company has grown across eastern Washington and north east Oregon and presently operates offices and facilities in Connell, Davenport, Othello, Pasco, Sunnyside, Yakima, and Ritzville, Washington. A family owned and operated business, Connell Oil prides itself on providing quality ConocoPhillips lubricants to customers with excellent service. For more information, please call (509) 547-3326 or visit www.connelloil.com.

About ConocoPhillips Lubricants

ConocoPhillips is an integrated petroleum company with interests around the world. For more information, go to http://www.conocophillips.com.