BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY CO - Quarter Report: 2009 September (Form 10-Q)

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

common stock outstanding, which includes the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were converted to common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

Employee stock options and stock warrants outstanding at September 30, 2009 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their assumed exercise and conversion would have an antidilutive effect on the computation of diluted loss per share.

		Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
		September 30,								September 30,
Basic and Diluted		2009				2008				2009				2008
Net loss		$	(321,386	)		$	(442,737	)		$	(2,071,644	)		$	(1,143,590	)
Weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and potential dilutive shares of common stock			11,806,133				11,646,961				11,763,431				11,632,205
Per share amount		$	(0.03	)		$	(0.04	)		$	(0.18	)		$	(0.10	)

Subsequent Events. In May 2009, the FASB established general standards of accounting for and disclosures of events that occur subsequent to the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of the guidance did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. We evaluated all subsequent events or transactions that occurred after September 30, 2009 up through November 2, 2009, the date our condensed consolidated interim financial statements as of and for the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 were issued, and during this period no material subsequent events occurred that would require recognition or disclosure in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Recent Accounting Developments

Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions Are Participating Securities. In June 2008, the FASB issued guidance on determining whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. This guidance provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid) are participating securities and shall be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years and will require all earnings per share data presented for prior-periods to be restated retrospectively. We currently do not anticipate that this guidance will have a material impact on our earnings per share data for fiscal year 2009 or on earnings per share data for any prior periods presented.

Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets. In June 2009, the FASB issued new standards on accounting for transfers of financial assets which is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The new standards amend previously issued standards by removing the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and eliminating the exception from applying FASB’s guidance on consolidation of variable interest entities, to variable interest entities that are qualifying special-purpose entities. It also changes the requirements for derecognition of financial assets and requires additional disclosures. Early adoption is prohibited. We are evaluating the impact, if any, this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

Variable Interest Entities. In June 2009, the FASB issued a new standard for variable interest entities that is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009. The new standard requires an analysis to determine whether a variable interest gives an entity a controlling financial interest in the variable interest entity.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

It also requires ongoing qualitative assessments of whether an entity is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and expands required disclosures. We are evaluating the impact, if any, this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standards Codification. In June 2009, the FASB issued new standards on the codification of accounting standards and the hierarchy of generally accepted accounting principles which is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The new standards establish the codification as the single source of authoritative United States accounting and reporting standards. It combines existing authoritative standards into a comprehensive, topically organized database. The primary effect is in the notes to the consolidated financial statements where references to U.S. GAAP and to new FASB pronouncements will be based on the sections of the Codification rather than to individual FASB standards.

Oil and Gas Reporting. In September 2009, the FASB issued its proposed updates to oil and gas accounting rules to align the oil and gas reserve estimation and disclosure requirements of Extractive Industries-Oil and Gas (Topic 932) with the requirements in the SEC’s final rule, Modernization of the Oil and Gas Reporting Requirements, which was issued on December 31, 2008 and is effective for the year ended December 31, 2009. The public comment period for the FASB’s proposed updates ended October 15, 2009; however, no final guidance has been issued by the FASB.  We are evaluating the potential impact of any updates to the oil and gas accounting rules and will comply with any new accounting and disclosure requirements once they become effective. 

3. Business Segment Information

Our operations are conducted in two principal business segments: (i) pipeline transportation services and (ii) oil and gas exploration and production. Our segments are managed jointly mainly due to our size. Management uses earnings before interest expense and income taxes (“EBIT”) to assess the operating results and effectiveness of our business segments, which consist of our consolidated businesses and investments. We believe EBIT is useful to our investors because it allows them to evaluate our operating performance using the same performance measure analyzed internally by management. We define EBIT as net income (loss) adjusted for: (i) items that do not impact our income or loss from continuing operations, such as the impact of accounting changes, (ii) income taxes and (iii) interest expense (income). We exclude interest expense (income) and other expense or income not pertaining to the operations of our segments from this measure so that investors may evaluate our current operating results without regard to our financing methods or capital structure. We understand that EBIT may not be comparable to measurements used by other companies. Additionally, EBIT should be considered in conjunction with net income and other performance measures such as operating cash flows.

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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

Following is a reconciliation of our EBIT (by segment) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, and at September 30, 2009 and 2008:

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2009
		Segment
						Oil and Gas
		Pipeline				Exploration &				Corporate &
		Transportation				Production				Other(1)				Total
Revenues		$	442,249			$	42,269			$	—			$	484,518
Operation cost(2)			(651,504	)			(63,487	)			(86,742	)			(801,733	)
Depletion, depreciation and amortization			(105,043	)			(26,381	)			(1,938	)			(133,362	)
EBIT		$	(314,298	)		$	(47,599	)		$	(88,680	)		$	(450,577	)
Capital expenditures		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Identifiable assets(3)		$	4,694,321			$	273,739			$	2,886,345			$	7,854,405

		Three Months Ended September 30, 2008
		Segment
						Oil and Gas
		Pipeline				Exploration &				Corporate &
		Transportation				Production				Other(1)				Total
Revenues		$	561,171			$	120,108			$	—			$	681,279
Operation cost(2)			(802,338	)			(120,988	)			(60,885	)			(984,211	)
Depletion, depreciation and amortization			(104,332	)			(58,415	)			(1,942	)			(164,689	)
EBIT		$	(345,499	)		$	(59,295	)		$	(62,827	)		$	(467,621	)
Capital expenditures		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Identifiable assets(3)		$	5,048,402			$	781,844			$	4,320,524			$	10,150,770

(1)		Includes unallocated G&A costs associated with corporate maintenance costs and legal expenses. It also includes as identifiable assets corporate available cash of $4.4 million.
(2)		Allocable G&A costs are allocated based on revenues.
(3)		Identifiable assets contain related legal obligations of each segment including cash, accounts receivable and payable and recorded net assets.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009
		Segment
						Oil and Gas
		Pipeline				Exploration &				Corporate &
		Transportation				Production				Other(1)				Total
Revenues		$	1,505,644			$	108,290			$	—			$	1,613,934
Operation cost(2)			(2,750,353	)			(181,197	)			(288,358	)			(3,219,908	)
Depletion, depreciation, amortization and impairment			(315,128	)			(278,670	)			(5,814	)			(599,612	)
EBIT		$	(1,559,837	)		$	(351,577	)		$	(294,172	)		$	(2,205,586	)
Capital expenditures		$	12,500			$	—			$	—			$	12,500
Identifiable assets(3)		$	4,694,321			$	273,739			$	2,886,345			$	7,854,405

		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008
		Segment
						Oil and Gas
		Pipeline				Exploration &				Corporate &
		Transportation				Production				Other(1)				Total
Revenues		$	1,804,390			$	544,381			$	—			$	2,348,771
Operation cost(2)			(2,415,009	)			(512,027	)			(259,160	)			(3,186,196	)
Depletion, depreciation and amortization			(312,995	)			(96,128	)			(4,594	)			(413,717	)
EBIT		$	(923,614	)		$	(63,774	)		$	(263,754	)		$	(1,251,142	)
Capital expenditures		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Identifiable assets(3)		$	5,048,402			$	781,844			$	4,320,524			$	10,150,770

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

4. Asset Retirement Obligations

We recorded the following activity related to our asset retirement obligations liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2009:

Asset retirement obligations as of December 31, 2008		$	2,183,190
Liabilities settled			(32,037	)
Accretion expense			83,423
Asset retirement obligations as of September 30, 2009		$	2,234,576

5. Stock-Based Compensation

Effective April 14, 2000, after approval by our stockholders, we adopted the 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”). Under the 2000 Plan, we are able to make awards of stock-based compensation. The number of shares of common stock reserved for grants of incentive stock options (“ISOs”) and other stock-based awards was increased from 650,000 shares to 1,200,000 shares after approval by our stockholders at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which was held on May 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2009, we had 341,040 shares of common stock remaining available for future grants. Options granted under the 2000 Plan have contractual terms from six to ten years. The exercise price of ISOs cannot be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock determined on the grant date. The 2000 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.

Pursuant to FASB guidance on accounting for stock based compensation, we estimate the fair value of stock options granted on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The following assumptions were used to determine the fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2008. There were no stock options granted in the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

		December 31,
		2008
Stock options granted			75,000
Risk-free interest rate			3.23	%
Expected term, in years			6.00
Expected volatility			90.7	%
Dividend yield			0.00	%

Expected volatility used in the model is based on the historical volatility of the common stock and is weighted 50% for the historical volatility over a past period equal to the expected term and 50% for the historical volatility over the past two years prior to the grant date. This weighting method was chosen to account for the significant changes in our financial condition beginning approximately three years ago. These changes include changes in our working capital, changes in pipeline throughput and the reduction and ultimate elimination of our outstanding debt.

The expected term of options granted used in the model represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The method used to estimate the expected term is the “simplified” method as allowed under the provisions of the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. This number is calculated by taking the average of the sum of the vesting period and the original contract term. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of the grant. As we have not declared dividends on common stock since we became a public company, no dividend yield was used. No forfeiture rate was assumed due to the lack of forfeiture history for this type of award. Actual value realized, if any, is dependent on the future performance of common stock and overall stock market conditions. There is no assurance that the value realized by an optionee will be at or near the value estimated by the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

At September 30, 2009, there were a total of 424,559 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the 2000 Plan. A summary of the status of stock options granted to key employees, officers and directors, for the purchase of shares of common stock for the periods indicated, is as follows:

										Weighted
						Weighted				Average				Aggregate
						Average				Remaining				Intrinsic
		Shares				Exercise Price				Contractual Life				Value
Options outstanding at December 31, 2008			555,559			$	2.43
Options granted			—			$	—
Options exercised			—			$	—
Options expired or cancelled			(131,000	)		$	2.13
Options outstanding at September 30, 2009			424,559			$	2.53				5.7			$	8,000
Options exercisable at September 30, 2009			306,559			$	2.38				5.5			$	8,000

The following table summarizes additional information about stock options outstanding at September 30, 2009:

						Options Outstanding												Options Exercisable
										Weighted Average												Weighted
										Remaining				Weighted								Average
Range of Exercise						Number				Contractual Life				Average Exercise				Number				Exercise
Prices						Outstanding				(Years)				Price				Exercisable				Price
$0.35 to $0.80							70,830				3.6			$	0.44				70,830			$	0.44
$1.55 to $1.90							23,429				2.4			$	1.71				23,429			$	1.71
$2.81 to $2.99							318,500				6.5			$	2.92				200,500			$	2.93
$	6.00						11,800				0.6			$	6.00				11,800			$	6.00
							424,559												306,559

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
September 30, 2009

The following summarizes the net change in non-vested stock options for the periods shown:

						Weighted
						Average
						Grant Date
		Shares				Fair Value
Non-vested at December 31, 2008			284,000			$	1.83
Granted			—			$	—
Canceled or expired			(100,000	)		$	1.20
Vested			(66,000	)		$	2.35
Non-vested at September 30, 2009			118,000			$	2.08

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized $164,526 of compensation expense for vested stock options. As of September 30, 2009, there was $96,153 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested stock options granted under the 2000 Plan. The weighted average period over which the unrecognized compensation cost will be recognized is 7 months.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we recognized $60,000 of expense for stock issued to the Board of Directors at fair value.

6. Contingencies

From time to time we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

7. Loan Receivable

On July 31, 2009, we issued a $2,000,000 loan to Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC. The non-interest bearing loan is due on or before January 31, 2010. The loan is secured by a first lien on property owned by Lazarus Environmental, LLC and a second lien on property owned by Lazarus Louisiana Refinery II, LLC.

8. Option to Acquire Assets

We are currently in an option period to acquire a portion of the assets owned by Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC under a purchase and sale agreement. The primary assets included are a light, sweet crude topping unit in Nixon, Texas, a barge and truck terminal in Mermentau, Louisiana and 560,000 barrels of storage associated with the two facilities. In the event we exercise our option to acquire the Lazarus assets, we will issue 47,141,196 shares of our common stock to Lazarus in a non-cash transaction. Issuance of the common stock under the purchase and sale agreement would constitute a change in control, and closing will therefore be subject to shareholder approval, as well as other customary closing conditions.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

Cautionary Statements

Certain of the statements included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including those regarding future financial performance or results or that are not historical facts, are “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The words “expect,” “plan,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Blue Dolphin Energy Company (referred to herein, with its predecessors and subsidiaries, as “Blue Dolphin,” “we,” “us” and “our”) cautions readers that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those indicated in forward-looking statements. Some of the important factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements include:

	§		the level of utilization of our pipelines;
	§		availability and cost of capital;
	§		actions or inactions of third party operators for properties where we have an interest;
	§		the risks associated with exploration;
	§		the level of production from our oil and gas properties;
	§		oil and gas price volatility;
	§		uncertainties in the estimation of proved reserves and in the projection of future rates of production and timing of development expenditures;
	§		regulatory developments; and
	§		general economic conditions.

Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date thereof. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us which attempt to advise interested parties of the additional factors which may affect our business, including the disclosures made under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report.

ITEM 2.		MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Executive Summary

We are engaged in two lines of business: (i) pipeline transportation services to producer/shippers, and (ii) oil and gas exploration and production. Our assets are located offshore and onshore in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Our goal is to create greater long-term value for our stockholders by increasing the utilization of our existing pipeline assets and pursuing strategic alternatives that will diversify our asset base, improve our competitive position and are accretive to earnings. Although we are primarily focused on acquisitions of pipeline assets and maximizing our current facilities, we also continue to review, evaluate opportunities and acquire additional oil and gas properties.

Pipeline Transportation. Although the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System added a new shipper in the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (the “current period”), pipeline revenues were down compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (the “previous period”) due to decreased volumes transported on both the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System and GA350 Pipeline. Deliveries from Galveston Area Block 321 into the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System began in mid-March 2009. The Blue Dolphin Pipeline System is currently transporting an aggregate of approximately 12 MMcf of gas per day from eight shippers. The GA 350 Pipeline is currently transporting an aggregate of approximately 17 MMcf of gas per day from six shippers.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production.

	§		Galveston Area Block 321 – In September 2008, we acquired a 0.5% overriding royalty interest in an exploratory well in Galveston Area Block 321. Drilling of the well commenced in late December 2008 and continued through early January 2009. The well commenced production in mid-March 2009. Production is currently being delivered through the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System.
	§		High Island Block 115 – The B-1 well resumed production in February 2009 after being shut-in due to damage to third party onshore facilities resulting from Hurricane Ike. The B-1 well is currently shut-in due to changes in the production handling agreement. We expect production to resume in early 2010. We maintain a 2.5% working interest in the well.
	§		High Island Block 37 – The A-2 well resumed production in February 2009 after being shut-in due to damage to third party onshore facilities resulting from Hurricane Ike. We maintain a 2.8% working interest in the well.

Our pipeline assets remain significantly under-utilized. The Blue Dolphin Pipeline System is currently operating at approximately 8% of capacity, the GA 350 Pipeline is currently operating at approximately 26% of capacity and the Omega Pipeline is inactive. Production declines, temporary stoppages or cessations of production from wells tied into our pipelines or from our working and overriding royalty interests in wells in Galveston Area and High Island blocks could have a material adverse effect on our cash flows and liquidity if the resulting revenue declines are not offset by revenues from other sources. Due to our small size, geographically concentrated asset base and limited capital resources, any negative event has the potential to have a material adverse impact on our financial condition. We are continuing our efforts to increase the utilization of our existing assets and acquire additional assets that will diversify our asset base, improve our competitive position and be accretive to earnings.

Results of Operations

For the three months ended September 30, 2009 (the “current quarter”), we reported a net loss of $321,386 compared to a net loss of $442,737 for the three months ended September 30, 2008 (the “previous quarter”). For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 (the “current period”), we reported a net loss of $2,071,644 compared to a net loss of $1,143,590 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 (the “previous period”).

Three Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2008

Revenue from Pipeline Operations. Revenues from pipeline operations decreased by $118,922, or 21%, in the current quarter to $442,249 primarily as a result of decreases in gas volumes transported due to natural production declines. Revenues from the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System decreased to approximately $331,000 in the current quarter compared to approximately $468,000 in the previous quarter. Daily gas volumes transported on the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System averaged 13 MMcf of gas per day in the current quarter, down from 23 MMcf of gas per day in the previous quarter. Revenues on the GA 350 Pipeline increased to approximately $111,000 compared to approximately $93,000 in the previous quarter despite a decrease in average daily gas volumes transported of 18 MMcf of gas per day in the current quarter from 22 MMcf of gas per day in the previous quarter.

Revenue from Oil and Gas Sales. Revenues from oil and gas sales decreased by $77,839, or 65%, in the current quarter to $42,269 due to lower commodity prices and production from High Island Block 115 being shut-in. The sales mix by product was 66% gas and 34% condensate. Our average realized gas price per Mcf in the current quarter was $3.32 compared to $9.97 in the previous quarter. Our average realized condensate price per barrel was $86.75 in the current quarter compared to $140.34 in the previous quarter.

Pipeline Operating Expenses. Pipeline operating expenses in the current quarter decreased by $105,886 to $309,695 due to decreases in storage tank repairs and painting costs, salt water transportation expenses, legal fees and pump motor repairs. The decreases were partially offset by increases in crane repairs.

Lease Operating Expenses. Lease operating expenses decreased by $10,979 to $29,731 in the current quarter due to decreased production.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses decreased by $66,843 to $434,721 in the current quarter primarily due to a decrease in officer salaries, which was partially offset by an increase in legal fees.

Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization. Depletion, depreciation and amortization decreased by $31,327 to $133,362 in the current quarter due to a reduced value in oil and gas properties attributable to prior write-downs.

Other Income. Other income increased by $104,307 due to a one year consulting agreement with Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2009 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008

Revenue from Pipeline Operations. Revenues from pipeline operations decreased by $298,746, or 17%, in the current period to $1,505,644 primarily as a result of decreases in gas volumes transported due to natural production declines. Revenues from the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System decreased to approximately $1,219,000 in the current period compared to approximately $1,494,000 in the previous period. Daily gas volumes transported on the Blue Dolphin Pipeline System averaged 17 MMcf of gas per day in the current period, down from 23 MMcf of gas per day in the previous period. Revenues on the GA 350 Pipeline decreased to approximately $287,000 compared to approximately $310,000 in the previous period due to a decrease in average daily gas volumes transported of 20 MMcf of gas per day in the current period from 24 MMcf of gas per day in the previous period.

Revenue from Oil and Gas Sales. Revenues from oil and gas sales decreased by $436,901, or 80%, in the current period to $108,290 due to lower commodity prices and High Island Block 115 being shut-in as a result of changes in the production handling agreement. The sales mix by product was 84% gas and 16% condensate. Our average realized gas price per Mcf in the current period was $3.11 compared to $11.83 in the previous period. Our average realized condensate price per barrel was $72.81 in the current period compared to $118.40 in the previous period.

Pipeline Operating Expenses. Pipeline operating expenses in the current period increased by $33,783 to $1,267,416 due to an increase in crane repairs and other repairs related to damage from Hurricane Ike. The increases were partially offset by decreases in insurance, storage tank repairs, legal fees and salt water transportation costs.

Lease Operating Expenses. Lease operating expenses decreased by $95,541 to $78,436 in the current period due to decreased production from our producing properties.

Impairment of Oil and Gas Properties. We recorded a full cost ceiling impairment of $203,110 for the current period. Under the full cost method of accounting, we are required on a quarterly basis to determine whether the book value of our oil and natural gas properties (excluding unevaluated properties) is less than or equal to the “ceiling,” based upon the expected after tax present value (discounted at 10%) of the future net cash flows from our proved reserves, calculated using prevailing oil and natural gas prices on the last day of the period, or a subsequent higher price under certain circumstances. Any excess of the net book value of our oil and natural gas properties over the ceiling must be recognized as a non-cash impairment expense. Our ceiling was calculated using prices of $47.19 per barrel of oil and $3.65 per MMbtu. Accordingly, at March 31, 2009, our costs exceeded our ceiling limitation, resulting in a write-down of our oil and natural gas properties.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $93,712 to $1,790,633 in the current period primarily due to increases in compensation expense, legal fees and office expenses related to the current office lease. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in property and liability insurance.

Other Income. Other income increased by $26,390 due to a one year consulting agreement with Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in interest income.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Cash. Our primary source of cash is cash flow from operations. During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, we had negative cash flow from operations of $2,586,351, excluding working capital changes, due to low utilization of our pipeline systems, loss of oil and gas revenues attributable to natural production declines, significantly lower commodity prices and payment of a severance package. Also, as mentioned in note 7, on July 31, 2009 we loaned $2 million to Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC.

Currently, we do not enter into any hedges or any type of derivatives to offset changes in commodity prices. We also do not have any outstanding debt or a credit facility with a bank or institution that may restrict us from issuing debt or common stock. Available cash at September 30, 2009 was approximately $1.2 million.

The following table summarizes our change in cash flows at September 30, 2009 and 2008:

		September 30,				September 30,
		2009				2008
Cash flow from operations
Loss from operations		$	(2,071,644	)		$	(1,143,590	)
Change in current assets and liabilities			(514,707	)			1,063,315
Total cash flow from operations			(2,586,351	)			(80,275	)
Net cash outflows
Capital expenditures			(15,643	)			(698,972	)
Payments on borrowings			(97,961	)			—
Total cash outflows			(113,604	)			(698,972	)
Total change in cash flows		$	(2,699,955	)		$	(779,247	)

In the past two years, we have used a portion of our cash reserves to fund our working capital requirements that were not funded from operations.

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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 3.		QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4T.		CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon this evaluation, as of September 30, 2009, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.		LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time we are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 1A.		RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

ITEM 2.		UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3.		DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.		SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.

ITEM 5.		OTHER INFORMATION

None.

BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 6.		EXHIBITS

     (a) Exhibits:

		The following exhibits are filed herewith:

	3.1(1)		Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Blue Dolphin Energy Company.
	3.2(2)		Amended and Restated Bylaws of Blue Dolphin Energy Company.
	31.1		Ivar Siem Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	31.2		T. Scott Howard Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	32.1		Ivar Siem Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	32.2		T. Scott Howard Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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BLUE DOLPHIN ENERGY COMPANY & SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.