Uncertainties

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2021

Unusual or Infrequent Items, or Both [Abstract]

UNCERTAINTIES

2.    UNCERTAINTIES

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, governmental authorities around the world imposed restrictions, such as stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures, to slow the spread of COVID-19. These measures resulted in significant economic disruption globally as reduced economic

activity negatively impacted many businesses, including our business. We experienced a decline in the demand for most of the transportation fuels that we produce and sell, and thus also a decline in the market prices of those products, due to a decrease in the level of individual movement and travel resulting from the restrictions and general public health concerns. Some governmental authorities began lifting restrictions in the latter part of 2020 and this has continued throughout the first nine months of 2021. These actions have contributed to increasing levels of individual movement and travel and a resulting increase in the demand for and market prices of our products. However, some governmental authorities continue to impose some level of restrictions due in part to new outbreaks, including those related to new variants of the COVID-19 virus.

The distribution of vaccines beginning in late 2020 has helped decrease rates of infection and contributed to the lifting of many restrictions. The ongoing distribution of vaccines may result in the continued lifting of restrictions globally and may be seen as a key factor contributing to the ongoing restoration of public confidence, and thus also to stimulating and increasing global economic activity. However, the risk remains that vaccines may not be distributed widely on a timely basis, they may not be as effective against new variants of the virus, the distribution of some or all of the vaccines may be paused or withdrawn due to concerns with potential side effects, and/or the level of individuals’ willingness to receive a vaccine may not be as strong or as timely as needed. Additionally, many governmental authorities have recently announced requirements and mandates, including steep fines for non-compliance, on employers concerning workforce vaccination and testing. Many large companies across the globe, independent of such government regulations, have also begun implementing vaccine requirements and mandates for their workforce, or as a prerequisite to providing customers certain goods and services in person. These requirements and mandates have evoked mixed reactions and have created additional challenges and costs, both administratively and operationally, for employers and employees. Developments with respect to such requirements and mandates are evolving at a rapid pace and the ultimate impact thereof remains uncertain.

Based on these and other circumstances that cannot be predicted, the broader implications of the pandemic on our results of operations and financial position remain uncertain and may continue to be significant. We believe we have proactively responded to many of the known impacts of the pandemic on our business to the extent practicable and we strive to continue to do so, but there can be no assurance that these or other measures will be fully effective.