His father is the president of Hacker Oil in Stamford, wholesale oil distributors.

Mr. Haas will continue to head the Permian Corporation, the company's Houston-based oil distributor.

British Benzol, which was one of the largest independent oil distributors in the UK.

In addition, he said, "It's a pretty sure bet that the advertising costs incurred by oil distributors eventually find their way into oil prices as well."

One example emerged last year, when a severe cold wave in December prompted intense competition for fuel between home-heating oil distributors and the power companies.

The ire is hitting government consumer protection offices, not to mention local oil distributors, who take the brunt of the anger as they deliver the fuel.

Ms. Dearing, whose organization would screen the applicants, said that more than 40 local business people, ranging from a dietary-supplement seller to an oil distributor, had expressed interest.

Eventually he moved to Charleston, S.C., where he became successful as an oil distributor.

Among his inventions are the oil distributor, oil retort and spark arrestors for locomotives.

The combined company will be the largest oil distributor in Japan.