Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2016
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
The following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015:

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
March 31, 2016
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Liabilities:
                       
Interest rate swap
  $ 147       -     $ 147       -  

         
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
   
December 31, 2015
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
   
(thousands of dollars)
 
Liabilities:
                       
Interest rate swap
  $ 177       -     $ 177       -  

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued liabilities in Saudi Arabia and other liabilities approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of variable rate long term debt reflects recent market transactions and approximate carrying value.  We used other observable inputs that would qualify as Level 2 inputs to make our assessment of the approximate fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, trade receivables,  accounts payable, accrued liabilities, accrued liabilities in Saudi Arabia, other liabilities and variable rate long term debt.  The fair value of the derivative instruments are described below.

Commodity Financial Instruments

We periodically enter into financial instruments to hedge the cost of natural gasoline (the primary feedstock) and natural gas (used as fuel to operate the plant).  

We assess the fair value of the financial swaps on feedstock using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 of fair value hierarchy).  At March 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, no commodity financial instruments were outstanding.  For additional information see Note 10.

Interest Rate Swap

In March 2008 we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with Bank of America related to a $10.0 million term loan secured by plant, pipeline and equipment.  The interest rate swap was designed to minimize the effect of changes in the London InterBank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) rate.  We had designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging; however, due to the ARC, we felt that the hedge was no longer entirely effective.  Due to the time required to make the determination and the immateriality of the hedge, we began treating it as ineffective as of October 1, 2014.

We assess the fair value of the interest rate swap using a present value model that includes quoted LIBOR rates and the nonperformance risk of the Company and Bank of America based on the Credit Default Swap Market (Level 2 of fair value hierarchy).

We have consistently applied valuation techniques in all periods presented and believe we have obtained the most accurate information available for the types of derivative contracts we hold. See discussion of our derivative instruments in Note 10.