GLOBAL PARTNERS LP - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Commission file number 001-32593

Global Partners LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

P.O. Box 9161
800 South Street
Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9161
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(781) 894-8800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files. Yes o    No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of common units held by non-affiliates of the registrant (treating directors and executive officers of the registrant's general partner and holders of 10% or more of the common units outstanding, for this purpose, as if they were affiliates of the registrant) as of June 30, 2010 was approximately $188,854,670 based on a price per common unit of $22.49, the price at which the common units were last sold as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.

         As of March 8, 2011, 21,580,563 common units were outstanding.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements

        Some of the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, any statement that may project, indicate or imply future results, events, performance or achievements, and may contain the words "may," "believe," "should," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "continue," "will likely result," or other similar expressions. In addition, any statement made by our management concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible actions by us are also forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements made regarding future results are subject to a number of assumptions, uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause future results to be materially different from the results stated or implied in this document. These risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders, include, among other things:

•

We may not have sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution or maintain distributions at current levels following establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general partner.



•

A significant decrease in demand for refined petroleum products in the areas served by our storage facilities and/or our retail gasoline business could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.



•

Our sales of home heating oil and residual oil could be significantly reduced by conversions to natural gas.



•

Erosion of the value of the Mobil brand could adversely affect our gasoline sales and customer traffic.



•

Our gas station and convenience store business could expose us to an increase in consumer litigation and result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more lawsuits where insurance proceeds are insufficient or otherwise unavailable.



•

Our gasoline sales could be significantly reduced by a reduction in demand due to new technologies and alternative fuel sources, such as electric, hybrid or battery powered motor vehicles.



•

Changes to government usage mandates and tax credits could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could negatively impact our gasoline sales.



•

Warmer weather conditions could adversely affect us.



•

Our risk management policies cannot eliminate all commodity risk. In addition, any noncompliance with our risk management policies could result in significant financial losses.



•

Our results of operations are influenced by the overall forward market for refined petroleum products.



•

Increases and/or decreases in the prices of refined petroleum products may adversely impact the amount of borrowing available for working capital under our credit agreement, which credit agreement has borrowing base limitations and advance rates.



•

We are exposed to trade credit risk in the ordinary course of our business activities.



•

We are exposed to risk associated with our trade credit support in the ordinary course of our business activities.

1

Table of Contents

•

The condition of credit markets may adversely affect us.



•

Due to our lack of asset and geographic diversification, adverse developments in the terminals that we use or in our operating areas could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.



•

A serious disruption to our information technology systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently.



•

We are exposed to performance risk in our supply chain.



•

Our retail gasoline business and terminal operations are subject to both federal and state environmental and non-environmental regulations which could have a material adverse effect on such businesses.



•

Our general partner and its affiliates have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to the detriment of unitholders.



•

Unitholders have limited voting rights and are not entitled to elect our general partner or its directors or to remove our general partner without the consent of the holders of at least 66²/3% of the outstanding units (including units held by our general partner and its affiliates), which could lower the trading price of our common units.



•

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.



•

Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on their share of our income even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

        Additional information about risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements is contained in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        All forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and all subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-K, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these statements to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.

Available Information

        We make available free of charge through our website, www.globalp.com, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such material with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These documents are also available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Our website also includes our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, our Governance Guidelines and the charters of our Audit Committee and Compensation Committee.

        A copy of any of these documents will be provided without charge upon written request to the General Counsel, Global Partners LP, P.O. Box 9161, 800 South Street, Suite 200, Waltham, MA 02454; fax (781) 398-4165.

2

Table of Contents

PART I

        References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to "Global Partners LP," "Partnership," "we," "our," "us" or like terms refer to Global Partners LP and its subsidiaries. References to "our general partner" refer to Global GP LLC.

Items 1. and 2.    Business and Properties.

Overview

        We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in March 2005. We have five operating subsidiaries: Global Companies LLC, its subsidiary, Glen Hes Corp., Global Montello Group Corp. ("GMG"), Chelsea Sandwich LLC and Global Energy Marketing LLC ("Global Energy") (the five operating subsidiaries, collectively, the "Companies"). The Companies (other than Glen Hes Corp.) are wholly owned by Global Operating LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary. GMG conducts our end user business, including certain aspects of our retail gasoline business. Global Energy was formed to conduct our natural gas operations and commenced operations in January 2010. In addition, GLP Finance Corp. ("GLP Finance") is our wholly owned subsidiary. GLP Finance has no material assets or liabilities. Its activities will be limited to co-issuing debt securities and engaging in other activities incidental thereto. Our general partner manages our operations and activities and employs our officers and substantially all of our personnel.

        We own, control or have access to one of the largest terminal networks of refined petroleum products in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (collectively, the "Northeast"). We are one of the largest wholesale distributors of gasoline, distillates (such as home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil and renewable fuels (such as ethanol) to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers in the New England states and New York. We own and supply fuel to 190 Mobil-branded retail gas stations (38 leased properties and 152 fee properties) in New England and supply Mobil-branded fuel to an additional 31 independently-owned stations. In 2010, we sold approximately $7.8 billion of refined petroleum products and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels. In addition, we had other revenues of approximately $16.1 million, primarily from convenience store sales at our directly operated stores and gas station rental income. In 2010, we owned, leased or maintained dedicated storage facilities at 24 refined petroleum product bulk terminals, each with the capacity of more than 50,000 barrels, including 23 located throughout the Northeast, that are supplied primarily by marine transport, pipeline, rail or truck and that collectively have approximately 10.2 million barrels of storage capacity. We also have throughput, exchange or other supply agreements at more than 50 bulk terminals and inland storage facilities.

        We purchase our refined petroleum products primarily from domestic and foreign refiners, major and independent oil companies and trading companies and sell these products in two segments, Wholesale and Commercial. In 2010, our Wholesale sales accounted for approximately 93% of our total sales and our Commercial sales accounted for approximately 7%.

        As demand for some of our refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally greater during the winter months, sales are generally higher during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year which may result in significant fluctuations in our quarterly operating results. The increase in the non-weather sensitive components of our business helps to partially offset the economic impact that warmer weather conditions may have on our home heating oil and residual oil sales. Portions of our heating oil and residual oil are sold on a forward fixed price basis. In 2010, our volume in transportation fuels, which represents a growing portion of our sales, exceeded our heating oil volumes.

3

Table of Contents

Business Strategies

        Our primary business objective is to increase distributable cash flow per unit by continuing to execute the following business strategies:

•

Expand Assets and Marketing Businesses Within and Beyond Our Core Northeast Market.  We pursue strategic and accretive acquisitions of assets and marketing businesses of refined petroleum products including, without limitation, gasoline, other transportation fuels and heating oil, as well as natural gas, within our existing area of operations and in new geographic areas. We pursue strategic and accretive acquisitions of upstream or downstream assets and businesses and transportation assets and businesses related thereto. We target assets or businesses with (1) terminal and/or retail gasoline assets, (2) a marketing division that has, among other attributes, consistent cash flow and stable customer lists or (3) a combination of these attributes. We assign value to the marketing opportunities associated with these assets and businesses. Because of our interest in purchasing marketing businesses as well as physical assets, we believe we have a competitive advantage over bidders interested in purchasing only physical assets. In addition, we seek strategic relationships with companies that are looking to outsource their wholesale marketing business, as these opportunities allow us to leverage our strengths in marketing infrastructure and credit fundamentals. We currently have marketing arrangements with two major suppliers of unbranded gasoline as well as two distillate suppliers for several northeastern states.



•

Pursue Organic Expansions and Improvements.  We focus on improved returns through terminal expansions, product expansions, such as natural gas and renewable fuels, and operating efficiencies.



•

Serve as a Preferred Supplier to Our Customers.  We believe that our customers value dependability and quality of supply. We strive to maintain a level of inventory to ensure that the supply needs of our customers are always satisfied. During periods of product shortages, we have historically succeeded in sustaining a supply of product sufficient to meet the needs of our customers. We own, control or have access to bulk terminals and inland storage facilities that are strategically located for ease of access by our customers. Additionally, we satisfy specific customer needs by customizing our products, such as diesel and home heating oil, by blending and injecting additives.



•

Focus on Credit Fundamentals of Our Customers.  We manage our trade credit exposure through conservative management practices, such as:



•

pre-approving customers up to certain credit limits;



•

seeking secondary sources of repayment for trade credit, such as letters of credit or guarantees;



•

not offering to extend credit as a marketing tool to attract customers; and



•

placing most of our customers on automatic debit systems for payment.

As a result of these practices, in each of the past five years, the amount of account receivables that we wrote off was insignificant as a percentage of sales.

•

Minimize Our Exposure to Commodity Price Volatility.  We actively manage our business to minimize commodity price exposure by using hedging techniques. We seek to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between purchases and sales by establishing an offsetting sales position with a positive margin each time we commit to purchase a volume of product.

4

Table of Contents

Recent Developments

        Retail Gas Stations/Fuel Supply Acquisition—On September 30, 2010, we completed our acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil Corporation ("ExxonMobil") for cash consideration of approximately $202.3 million, plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities. We acquired 190 Mobil-branded retail gas stations located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. As of December 31, 2010, of the 190 stations, 41 were directly operated on our behalf by our management agent, Alliance Energy LLC ("Alliance"), an experienced retail operator, and 149 were dealer operated subject to existing franchise agreements assigned to and assumed by us. Additionally, we acquired the right to supply Mobil-branded fuel to such stations and to 31 Mobil-branded stations that are owned and operated by independent dealers in these states. We outsourced the day-to-day management and operations of these 221 locations to Alliance. Alliance is approximately 95% owned by members of the Slifka family, who also own our general partner.

        The acquisition expands our wholesale supply business and adds vertical integration to our transportation fuel business. The stations sold approximately 370 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel in 2009. Initially, we intend to continue operating the stations under the Mobil brand, although we have the right to rebrand the stations to another major gasoline brand or operate the stations on an unbranded basis. We initially financed the acquisition with borrowings under our credit agreement. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview—ExxonMobil Acquisition" for additional information related to the transaction.

        Acquisition of Warex Terminals—On June 2, 2010, we completed our acquisition of three refined petroleum products terminals located in Newburgh, New York from Warex Terminals Corporation (the "Warex Terminals") for cash consideration of $46.0 million, plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities. We believe the acquisition strengthens our presence along the Hudson River in southeastern New York and enhances terminal operating efficiencies with our neighboring facility. See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the acquisition.

        Ethanol and Rail Expansion Project—In October 2010, we completed an ethanol and rail expansion project that adds 180,000 barrels of ethanol storage at our refined petroleum product terminal in Albany, New York. The project, which became operational in October 2010, was jointly developed with Canadian Pacific Railway Limited and includes modifications that enable the terminal to schedule the delivery of 80-car trains of ethanol and allows ethanol to be shipped directly on a single rail line from the Midwest. Beyond supplying our own business, we further invested in our Albany terminal having installed a marine vapor recovery system for barge-loading of ethanol and gasoline at the dock and expanded the rack to allow for additional ethanol and gasoline sales. We believe the supply efficiencies gained through this project position us to be a premier cost effective supplier of gasoline and ethanol to the Northeast. In December 2010, the U.S. Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit, which had been authorized through December 31, 2010, was extended for one year. In a separate and complementary project, we are converting two distillate storage tanks to gasoline storage at the Albany facility. These initiatives, combined with the return to service of three previously out-of-service tanks, increased the total storage capacity of our Albany terminal to approximately 1.2 million barrels, up from 737,000 barrels when we acquired the terminal in May 2007.

        Public Offerings of Common Units—On March 19, 2010, we completed a public offering of 3,910,000 common units at a price of $22.75 per common unit. Net proceeds were approximately $84.6 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. On November 16, 2010, we completed a public offering of 1,955,000 common units at a price of $25.57 per common unit. Net proceeds were approximately $47.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. On February 8, 2011, we completed a public offering of 2,645,000 common units at a price of $27.60 per common unit.

5

Table of Contents

Net proceeds were approximately $69.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses. We used the net proceeds from each of these offerings to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our credit agreement. See Notes 15 and 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the public offerings.

        Conversion of Subordinated Units—Subsequent to December 31, 2010, based upon meeting certain distribution and performance tests provided in our partnership agreement, all 5,642,424 subordinated units have converted to common units. See Note 21, "Subsequent Events," of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Product Sales

General

        We sell our refined petroleum products in two segments, Wholesale and Commercial. The majority of the refined petroleum products we sell can be grouped into three categories: gasoline, distillates and residual oil. In addition, our other operating segment includes convenience store sales at our directly operated stores and gas station rental income. In 2010, gasoline, distillates and residual oil accounted for approximately 60%, 34% and 6%, respectively, of our total volume sold.

        Gasoline.    We sell grades of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline that comply with seasonal and geographical requirements in the areas in which we market. Gasoline sales accounted for approximately 60%, 51% and 50% of total sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

        Distillates.    Distillates are divided into home heating oil, diesel and kerosene. In 2010, sales of home heating oil, diesel and kerosene accounted for approximately 65%, 32% and 3%, respectively, of our total volume of distillates sold. Distillate sales accounted for approximately 35%, 44% and 46% of total sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

        We sell generic home heating oil and Heating Oil Plus™, our proprietary premium branded heating oil. Heating Oil Plus™ is electronically blended at the delivery facility. In 2010, approximately 12% of the volume of home heating oil we sold to wholesale resellers was Heating Oil Plus™. In addition, we sell the additive used to create Heating Oil Plus™ to some wholesale resellers, make injection systems available to them and provide technical support to assist them with blending. We also educate the sales force of our customers to better prepare them for marketing our products to their customers.

        We sell generic diesel and Diesel One®, our proprietary premium diesel fuel product. We offer marketing and technical support for those customers who purchase Diesel One®. In 2010, approximately 38% of the volume of diesel we sold to wholesale resellers was Diesel One®.

        Residual Oil.    We are one of three primary residual oil marketers in the Northeast. We specially blend residual oil for users in accordance with their individual power plant specifications. Residual oil sales accounted for approximately 5%, 5% and 4% of total sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

        We had one customer, ExxonMobil, who accounted for approximately 19%, 22% and 20% of our total sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Wholesale

        In the Wholesale segment, we sell gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene and residual oil to unbranded and Mobil-branded retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels, home heating oil retailers and wholesale distributors. In 2010, this segment accounted for approximately 93% of our total volume sold. Generally, customers use their own vehicles or contract carriers to take

6

Table of Contents

delivery of the product at bulk terminals and inland storage facilities that we own or control or with which we have throughput, exchange or other supply agreements. Please read "—Storage."

        In 2010, we sold unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel, including Diesel One®, to approximately 1,135 wholesalers and retail gasoline station operators, vehicles, fleet and marine users and other end users throughout the Northeast.

        We have marketing arrangements with two major suppliers of unbranded gasoline as well as two distillate suppliers in several northeastern states.

        In 2010, we sold home heating oil, including Heating Oil Plus™, to 1,076 wholesale distributors and retailers. We have a fixed price sales program that we market primarily to wholesale distributors and retailers which currently uses the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") heating oil contract as the pricing benchmark and as a vehicle to manage the commodity risk. Please read "—Commodity Risk Management." In 2010, approximately 27% of our home heating oil volume was sold using forward fixed price contracts. A forward fixed price contract requires our customer to purchase a specific volume at a specific price during a specific period. The remaining home heating oil was sold on either a posted price or a price based on various indices which, in both instances, reflect current market conditions.

        In 2010, we sold residual oil to 19 wholesale distributors. Our Wholesale residual oil sales were accomplished through forward fixed price contracts or by using market-related prices, either posted prices or indexed prices, to reflect current market conditions.

        Financial information with respect to the Wholesale segment, including information concerning revenues, gross profit, net product margin and total assets may be found under Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations" and in Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Commercial

        Our Commercial segment includes sales and deliveries of unbranded gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuel to end user customers in the public sector and to large commercial and industrial end users. In the case of commercial and industrial end user customers, we sell our products primarily either through a competitive bidding process or through contracts of various terms. Our Commercial segment also includes sales of custom blended distillates and residual oil delivered by barges or from a terminal dock through bunkering activity as well as sales of Mobil-branded gasoline to end users. In 2010, this segment accounted for approximately 7% of our total volume sold.

        Our commercial end user customers also include Mobil-branded gasoline customers at our directly operated gasoline stations, federal and state agencies, municipalities, large industrial companies, many autonomous authorities, such as transportation authorities and water resource authorities, colleges and universities and a group of small utilities. Unlike our Wholesale segment, in our Commercial segment, we generally arrange the delivery of the product to the customer's designated location. We typically hire third-party common carriers to deliver the product. Please read "—Storage."

        In this segment, we respond to publicly-issued requests for product proposals and quotes. As of December 31, 2010, we had contracts as a result of this public bidding process with the U.S. government and the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. We also had contracts with municipalities, autonomous authorities and institutional customers in the Northeast to meet their various fuel requirements.

        A majority of the contracts in our bid business are for a term of one to three years. We offer both fixed and indexed price and volume contracts to customers. The majority of bid activity is priced using

7

Table of Contents

an indexed price with the index typically chosen by the issuing authority in its solicitation for the bid proposal. The indexed prices are usually referenced to one of five industry publications and/or the utilization of regulated exchanges.

        Our commercial customers also include cruise ships, dry and wet bulk carriers, fishing fleets and other marine vessels. We blend distillates and residual fuel to the customers' specifications at the terminal facility or on the barge and then deliver the resulting bunker fuel directly to the ship or barge.

        Financial information with respect to the Commercial segment, including information concerning revenues, gross profit, net product margin and total assets may be found under Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis and Results of Operations" and in Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other

        Our non-petroleum product sales primarily include convenience store sales at our directly operated stores and gas station rental income.

Supply

        Our products come from some of the major energy companies in the world. Cargos are sourced from the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Russia and occasionally from Asia. During 2010, we purchased an average of approximately 238,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products from approximately 115 suppliers. In 2010, our top ten suppliers accounted for approximately 60% of our product purchases. We enter into supply agreements with these suppliers on a term basis or a spot basis. With respect to trade terms, our supply purchases vary depending on the particular contract from prompt payment (usually three days) to net 30 days. Please read "—Commodity Risk Management." We obtain our convenience store inventory from traditional suppliers.

Commodity Risk Management

        Since we take title to the refined petroleum products that we sell, we are exposed to commodity risk. Commodity risk is the risk of unfavorable market fluctuations in the price of commodities such as refined petroleum products. We endeavor to minimize commodity risk in connection with our daily operations. Generally, as we purchase and/or store refined petroleum products, we reduce commodity risk through hedging by selling futures contracts on regulated exchanges or using other derivatives, and then lift hedges as we sell the product for physical delivery to third parties. Products are generally purchased and sold at spot prices, fixed prices or at indexed prices. While we use these transactions to seek to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between purchased volumes versus sales volumes through regulated exchanges or derivatives, we may experience net unbalanced positions for short periods of time as a result of variances in daily sales and transportation and delivery schedules as well as logistical issues associated with inclement weather conditions or infrastructure disruptions. In connection with managing these positions and maintaining a constant presence in the marketplace, both necessary for our business, we engage in a controlled trading program for up to an aggregate of 250,000 barrels of refined petroleum products on any day. Our general policy is not to hold refined petroleum products, futures contracts or other derivative products and instruments for the sole purpose of speculating on price change. While our policies are designed to minimize market risk, some degree of exposure to unforeseen fluctuations in market conditions remains.

        Operating results are sensitive to a number of factors. Such factors include commodity location, grades of product, individual customer demand for grades or location of product, localized market price structures, availability of transportation facilities, daily delivery volumes that vary from expected quantities and timing and costs to deliver the commodity to the customer. The term "basis risk" is used to describe the inherent market price risk created when a commodity of certain grade or location is

8

Table of Contents

purchased, sold or exchanged as compared to a purchase, sale or exchange of commodity at a different time or place, including, without limitation, transportation costs and timing differentials. We attempt to reduce our exposure to basis risk by grouping our purchase and sale activities by geographical region and commodity quality in order to stay balanced within such designated region. However, basis risk cannot be entirely eliminated, and basis exposure, particularly in backward markets (when prices for future deliveries are lower than current prices) or other adverse market conditions, can adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        With respect to the pricing of commodities, we enter into futures contracts to minimize or hedge the impact of market fluctuations on our purchase and forward fixed price sales of refined petroleum products. Any hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in our results of operations. We utilize the NYMEX and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"), which are regulated exchanges for the energy products that they trade, thereby reducing potential delivery and supply risks. Generally, our practice is to close all exchange positions rather than make or receive physical deliveries. With respect to other energy products, which may not have a correlated exchange contract, we enter into derivative agreements with counterparties that we believe have a strong credit profile in order to hedge market fluctuations and/or lock-in margins relative to our commitments.

        We monitor processes and procedures to prevent unauthorized trading by our personnel and to maintain substantial balance between purchases and sales or future delivery obligations. We can provide no assurance, however, that these steps will detect and prevent all violations of such trading policies and procedures, particularly if deception or other intentional misconduct is involved.

Storage

        Bulk terminals and inland storage facilities play a key role in the distribution of product to our customers. In 2010, we owned, leased or maintained dedicated storage facilities at 24 refined petroleum product bulk terminals, each with the capacity of more than 50,000 barrels, including 23 located throughout the Northeast that collectively have approximately 10.2 million barrels of storage capacity. We also have throughput, exchange or other supply agreements at more than 50 bulk terminals and inland storage facilities.

        The bulk terminals and inland storage facilities from which we distribute product are supplied by ship, barge, truck, pipeline or rail. The inland storage facilities, which we use exclusively to store distillates, are supplied with product delivered by truck from bulk terminals. Our customers receive product from our network of bulk terminals and inland storage facilities via truck, barge, rail or pipeline.

        Many of our bulk terminals operate 24 hours a day and consist of multiple storage tanks and automated truck loading equipment. These automated systems monitor terminal access, volumetric allocations, credit control and carrier certification through the remote identification of customers. In addition, some of the bulk terminals at which we market are equipped with truck loading racks capable of providing automated blending and additive packages which meet our customers' specific requirements.

        Throughput arrangements allow storage of product at terminals owned by others. Our customers can load product at these terminals, and we pay the owners of these terminals fees for services rendered in connection with the receipt, storage and handling of such product. Compensation to the terminal owners may be fixed or based upon the volume of our product that is delivered and sold at the terminal.

        Exchange agreements allow our customers to take delivery of product at a terminal or facility that is not owned or leased by us. An exchange is a contractual agreement where the parties exchange product at their respective terminals or facilities. For example, we (or our customers) receive product

9

Table of Contents

that is owned by our exchange partner from such party's facility or terminal, and we deliver the same volume of our product to such party (or to such party's customers) out of one of the terminals in our terminal network. Generally, both sides of an exchange transaction pay a handling fee (similar to a throughput fee), and often one party also pays a location differential that covers any excess transportation costs incurred by the other party in supplying product to the location at which the first party receives product. Other differentials that may occur in exchanges (and result in additional payments) include product value differentials and timing differentials.

Competition

        We encounter varying degrees of competition based on product and geographic locations. Our competitors include terminal companies, major integrated oil companies and their marketing affiliates and independent marketers of varying sizes, financial resources and experience. In our core Northeast market, we compete in various product lines and for all customers. In the residual oil markets, however, where product is heated when stored and cannot be delivered long distances, we face less competition because of the strategic locations of our residual oil storage facilities. We also compete with natural gas suppliers and marketers in our home heating oil and residual oil product lines. Bunkering requires facilities at ports to service vessels. In various other geographic markets, particularly the unbranded gasoline and distillates markets, we compete with integrated refiners, merchant refiners and regional marketing companies. Our Mobil-branded retail gas stations compete with unbranded and branded retail gas stations as well as supermarket and warehouse stores that sell gasoline.

Environmental

General

        Our business of supplying refined petroleum products involves a number of activities that are subject to extensive and stringent environmental laws. As part of our business, we own and operate various petroleum storage and distribution facilities and gas stations and must comply with environmental laws at the federal, state and local levels, which increases the cost of operating terminals and gas stations and our business generally.

        Our operations also utilize a number of petroleum storage facilities and distribution facilities and gas stations that we do not own or operate, but at which refined petroleum products are stored. We utilize these facilities through several different contractual arrangements, including leases and throughput and terminalling services agreements. If facilities with which we contract that are owned and operated by third parties fail to comply with environmental laws, they could be shut down, requiring us to incur costs to use alternative facilities.

        Environmental laws and regulations can restrict or impact our business activities in many ways, such as:

•

requiring remedial action to mitigate releases of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or wastes caused by our operations or attributable to former operators;



•

requiring capital expenditures to comply with environmental control requirements; and



•

enjoining the operations of facilities deemed in noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations.

        Failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the imposition of remedial requirements and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes impose strict, joint and several liability for costs required to clean up and restore sites where hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or wastes have been released or disposed of. Moreover,

10

Table of Contents

neighboring landowners and other third parties may file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hydrocarbons, hazardous substances or other wastes into the environment.

        The trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment. As a result, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future expenditures for environmental compliance or remediation, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we currently anticipate. We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and minimize the costs of such compliance.

        We do not believe that compliance with federal, state or local environmental laws and regulations will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders. We can provide no assurance, however, that future events, such as changes in existing laws (including changes in the interpretation of existing laws), the promulgation of new laws, or the development or discovery of new facts or conditions will not cause us to incur significant costs.

Hazardous Materials and Waste Handling

        In most instances, the environmental laws and regulations affecting our business relate to the release of hazardous substances into the water or soils and include measures to control pollution of the environment. For instance, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended, also known as CERCLA or the Superfund law, and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of hazardous substances into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the site where the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances. Under the Superfund law, these persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of cleaning up hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. The Superfund law also authorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), and in some instances third parties, to act in response to threats to the public health or the environment and seek to recover from the responsible persons the costs they incur. It is possible for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by hazardous substances or other pollutants released into the environment. In the course of our ordinary operations, we may generate, store or otherwise handle materials and wastes that fall within the Superfund law's definition of a hazardous substance and, as a result, we may be jointly and severally liable under the Superfund law for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which those hazardous substances have been released into the environment.

        We currently own, lease or utilize storage or distribution facilities and gas stations where hydrocarbons are being or have been handled for many years. Although we have utilized operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed of or released on, under or from the properties owned or leased by us or on or under other locations where we have contractual arrangements or where these wastes have been taken for disposal. In addition, many of these properties have been operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes was not under our control. These properties and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to the Superfund law or other federal and state laws. Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes, including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators, clean up contaminated property, including groundwater contaminated by prior owners or operators or make capital improvements to prevent future contamination.

11

Table of Contents

        Our operations generate a variety of wastes, including some hazardous wastes that are subject to the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended ("RCRA") and comparable state laws. By way of summary, these regulations impose detailed requirements for the handling, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste. Our operations also generate solid wastes which are regulated under state law or the less stringent solid waste requirements of the federal Solid Waste Disposal Act. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the existing requirements of RCRA, the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and similar state and local laws, and the cost involved in complying with these requirements is not material.

        We incur ongoing costs for monitoring groundwater and/or remediation of contamination at several facilities that we operate. Assuming that we will be able to continue to use common remedial and monitoring methods or associated engineering or institutional controls to demonstrate compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, as we have in the past and regulations currently allow, we believe that these costs will not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Above Ground Storage Tanks

        Above ground tanks that contain petroleum and other hazardous substances are subject to comprehensive regulation under environmental laws. Generally, these laws impose liability for releases and require secondary containment systems for tanks or that the operators take alternative precautions to ensure that no contamination results from tank leaks or spills. We believe we are in substantial compliance with environmental laws and regulations applicable to above ground storage tanks.

        The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA") addresses three principal areas of oil pollution—prevention, containment and cleanup. In order to handle, store or transport oil, we are required to file oil spill response plans with either the United States Coast Guard (for marine facilities) or the EPA. States in which we operate have enacted laws similar to OPA. Under OPA and comparable state laws, responsible parties for a regulated facility from which oil is discharged may be subject to strict, joint and several liability for removal costs and certain other consequences of an oil spill such as natural resource damages, where the spill is into navigable waters or along shorelines. We believe we are in substantial compliance with regulations pursuant to OPA and similar state laws.

        Under the authority of the federal Clean Water Act, the EPA imposes specific requirements for Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure plans that are designed to prevent, and minimize the impacts of, releases of oil and oil products from above ground storage tanks. We believe we are in substantial compliance with these requirements.

Underground Storage Tanks

        We are required to make financial expenditures to comply with regulations governing underground storage tanks which store gasoline or other regulated substances adopted by federal, state and local regulatory agencies. Pursuant to RCRA, the EPA has established a comprehensive regulatory program for the detection, prevention, investigation and cleanup of leaking underground storage tanks. State or local agencies are often delegated the responsibility for implementing the federal program or developing and implementing equivalent or stricter state or local regulations. We have a comprehensive program in place for performing routine tank testing and other compliance activities which are intended to promptly detect and investigate any potential releases. In addition, the federal Clean Air Act and similar state laws impose requirements on emissions to the air from motor fueling activities in certain areas of the country, including those that do not meet state or national ambient air quality standards. These laws may require the installation of vapor recovery systems to control emissions of volatile organic compounds to the air during the motor fueling process. We believe we are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental requirements, including those applicable to our

12

Table of Contents

underground storage tanks. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws regulating underground storage tank systems of the kind we use may require significant capital expenditures in the future. These expenditures may include upgrades, modifications, and the replacement of underground storage tanks and related piping to comply with current and future regulatory requirements designed to ensure the detection, prevention, investigation and remediation of leaks and spills.

Water Discharges

        The federal Clean Water Act imposes restrictions regarding the discharge of pollutants, including oil and refined petroleum products, into navigable waters. This law and comparable state laws require permits for discharging pollutants into state and federal waters and impose substantial liabilities and remedial obligations for noncompliance. EPA regulations also require us to obtain permits to discharge certain storm water runoff. Storm water discharge permits also may be required by certain states in which we operate. We believe that we hold the required permits and operate in material compliance with those permits. While we have experienced permit discharge exceedences at some of our terminals, we do not expect any noncompliance with existing permits and foreseeable new permit requirements to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Air Emissions

        Under the federal Clean Air Act and comparable state and local laws, permits are typically required to emit regulated air pollutants into the atmosphere. We believe that we currently hold or have applied for all necessary air permits and that we are in substantial compliance with applicable air laws and regulations. Although we can give no assurances, we are aware of no changes to air quality regulations that will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Various federal, state and local agencies have the authority to prescribe product quality specifications for the refined petroleum products that we sell, largely in an effort to reduce air pollution. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in substantial penalties. Although we can give no assurances, we believe we are currently in substantial compliance with these regulations.

        Changes in product quality specifications could require us to incur additional handling costs or reduce our throughput volume. For instance, different product specifications for different markets could require the construction of additional storage. Also, states in which we operate have considered limiting the sulfur content of home heating oil. If such regulations are enacted, this could restrict the supply of available heating oil, which could increase our costs to purchase such oil or limit our ability to sell heating oil.

        Efforts at the federal and state level are currently underway to reduce the levels of greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions from various sources in the United States. At the federal level, legislation was introduced in Congress in 2007-2010 to reduce GHG emissions in the United States. Such or similar federal legislation may impose a carbon emissions tax or establish a cap-and-trade program or regulation by the EPA. Even in the absence of new federal legislation, GHG emissions have begun to be regulated by the EPA pursuant to the Clean Air Act. In December of 2009, the EPA issued a final rule declaring that six GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane, "endanger both the public health and the public welfare of current and future generations." The issuance of this "endangerment finding" allowed the EPA to begin regulating GHG emissions under existing provisions of the federal Clean Air Act. In May 2010, the EPA issued a final "tailoring rule" that would regulate GHG emissions from large stationary sources such as power plants or industrial facilities. In addition, in April 2010, the EPA set a new emissions standard for motor vehicles to reduce GHG emissions. In December 2010, the EPA issued its plan to update pollution standards for fossil fuel power plants and petroleum refineries.

13

Table of Contents

Under that agreement, the EPA intends to propose standards for power plants in July 2011 and for refineries in December 2011 and will issue final standards in May 2012 and November 2012, respectively. Numerous states, including many where we have operations, have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of GHG emission inventories and/or regional GHG cap and trade programs. A regional cap and trade program, referred to as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, began January 1, 2009, and is designed to stabilize and reduce GHG emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants in many northeastern and mid-atlantic states. New federal or state restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gases that may be imposed in areas of the United States in which we conduct business and that apply to our operations could adversely affect the demand for our products.

        On December 30, 2010 the EPA issued final rules under Subpart W of the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule ("MRR"), which applies to petroleum and natural gas systems. Under Subpart W, any facility in a covered sector emitting more than 25,000 metric tones of carbon dioxide equivalent per year must monitor and report their GHG emissions to the EPA. Monitoring obligations under Subpart W became effective on January 1, 2011. Currently, Subpart W only covers onshore and offshore petroleum and natural gas production; onshore natural gas processing; underground natural gas storage; liquefied natural gas storage, import and export; and natural gas distribution. Because we are not engaged in production activities or natural gas distribution, we do not believe that we are currently subject to the requirements of MRR Subpart W. In addition, under Subpart MM, importers of petroleum products, including distillates, must report the GHG emissions that would result from the complete combustion of all imported products if such combustion would result in the emission of at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. At this time, we believe that we may be subject to Subpart MM because we import a volume of petroleum products that may produce sufficient emissions to trigger a reporting obligation. We do not believe that compliance with the MRR will substantially impact our operations.

Convenience Store Regulations

        Our convenience store operations are subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations that include, but are not limited to, legal restrictions on the sale of alcohol, tobacco and lottery products, food safety and health requirements and public accessibility, as well as sanitation, safety and fire standards. State and local regulatory agencies have the authority to approve, revoke, suspend or deny applications for, and renewals of, permits and licenses. Our operations are also subject to federal and state laws governing matters such as wage rates, overtime, working conditions and citizenship requirements. At the federal level, there are proposals under consideration from time to time to increase minimum wage rates and to introduce a system of mandated health insurance, each of which could adversely affect our results of operations. In June 2009, Congress gave the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), broad authority to regulate tobacco products through passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act ("FSPTCA"). Under the FSPTCA, the FDA has passed regulations that, among other things, prohibit the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to anyone under the age of 18 years (state laws are permitted to set a higher minimum age); prohibit the sale of single cigarettes or packs with less than 20 cigarettes; and prohibit the sale or distribution of non-tobacco items such as hats and t-shirts with tobacco brands, names or logos. Governmental actions and regulations, such as these, could materially impact our retail price of cigarettes, cigarette unit volume and revenues, merchandise gross profit and overall customer traffic, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Ethanol Market

        The market for ethanol is dependent on several economic incentives to use ethanol, including federal tax incentives, ethanol use mandates and oxygenate blending requirements. For instance, the

14

Table of Contents

Renewable Fuels Standard ("RFS") requires that a certain amount of renewable fuels be utilized in the United States each year. Additionally, the EPA imposes oxygenate blending requirements for reformulated gasoline. The market for ethanol is also affected by the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit ("blender's credit"), which provides a volumetric tax credit of 4.5 cents per gallon of gasoline that contains at least 10% ethanol. The blender's credit was recently renewed until December 31, 2011. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or the oxygenate blending requirements or the failure to extend the blender's credit could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could result in reduced discretionary blending of ethanol. Discretionary blending is when gasoline blenders use ethanol to reduce the cost of blended gasoline.

        Recently, the EPA allowed the use of E15, gasoline which is blended at a rate of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, in vehicles manufactured in the model year 2007 and later as well as for cars and light duty trucks manufactured in the model years between 2001 and 2006. According to EPA estimates, flex-fuel vehicles make up only 7.3 million of the 240 million vehicles on the nation's roads and there are only about 2,000 E85 pumps in the U.S. The USDA recently announced that it will provide financial assistance to help implement more "blender pumps" in the U.S. in order to increase demand for ethanol and to help offset the cost of introducing mid-level ethanol blends into the U.S. retail gasoline market. However, blender pumps cost approximately $25,000 each, so it may take time before they become widely available in the retail gasoline market.

Environmental Insurance

        We maintain insurance which may cover, in whole or in part, certain costs relating to the clean up of releases of refined petroleum products. We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our general partner believes are reasonable and prudent. These policies may not cover all environmental risks and costs and may not provide sufficient coverage in the event an environmental claim is made against us.

Security Regulation

        Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy infrastructure assets may be future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risks. Increased security measures taken by us as a precaution against possible terrorist attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business. Where required by federal or local laws, we have prepared security plans for the storage and distribution facilities we operate. Terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities and any global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. For instance, terrorist activity could lead to increased volatility in prices for home heating oil, gasoline and other products we sell.

        Insurance carriers are currently required to offer coverage for terrorist activities as a result of the federal Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 ("TRIA"). We purchased this coverage with respect to our property and casualty insurance programs, which resulted in additional insurance premiums. Pursuant to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2007, TRIA has been extended through December 31, 2014. Although we cannot determine the future availability and cost of insurance coverage for terrorist acts, we do not expect the availability and cost of such insurance to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Employee Safety

        We are subject to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. In addition,

15

Table of Contents

OSHA's hazard communication standards require that information be maintained about hazardous materials used or produced in operations and that this information be provided to employees, state and local government authorities and citizens. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the applicable OSHA requirements.

        We operate a limited number of trucks for the transportation of refined petroleum products, as most of the trucks that distribute products we sell are owned and operated by third parties. We are subject to regulations promulgated under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act for those trucks that we do operate. These regulations cover the transportation of hazardous materials and are administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. We conduct ongoing training programs to help ensure that our operations are in compliance with applicable regulations.

Title to Properties, Permits and Licenses

        We believe we have all of the assets needed, including leases, permits and licenses, to operate our business in all material respects. With respect to any consents, permits or authorizations that have not been obtained, we believe that the failure to obtain these consents, permits or authorizations will have no material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        We believe we have satisfactory title to all of our assets. Title to property may be subject to encumbrances. We believe that none of these encumbrances will materially detract from the value of our properties or from our interest in these properties, nor will they materially interfere with the use of these properties in the operation of our business.

        The name GLOBAL, our logos and the name Global Petroleum Corp. are trademarks of Global Companies LLC. In addition, we have trademarks for our premium fuels and additives, Diesel One®, Heating Oil Plus™ and SubZero®.

Facilities

        We lease office space for our principal executive office in Waltham, Massachusetts. The lease expires on December 31, 2015.

Employees

        To carry out our operations, our general partner and certain of our operating subsidiaries employed 286 full-time employees as of December 31, 2010. We believe we have good relations with our employees.

        Certain of the employees assigned to our terminal in Chelsea, Massachusetts are employed under collective bargaining agreements that expire in 2011 and which we expect will be renewed in the ordinary course. Certain of Global Petroleum Corp.'s employees at the Revere, Massachusetts facility are also employed under a collective bargaining agreement that expires in 2011 and which we expect will be renewed in the ordinary course. Certain of the employees assigned to our terminals in Albany, Newburgh, Glenwood Landing and Inwood, New York are employed under collective bargaining agreements that expire in May 2013 (with respect to Albany and Newburgh) and April 2011 (with respect to Glenwood Landing and Inwood and which we expect will be renewed in the ordinary course). Certain of the employees assigned to our terminal in Oyster Bay (Commander), New York are employed under a collective bargaining agreement that expired in May 2010. We have negotiated an agreement, in principle, with the Commander employees and expect that a successor collective bargaining agreement will be executed in the first quarter of 2011. One other employee at Commander is employed under a collective bargaining agreement that expires in 2011 and which we expect will be renewed in the ordinary course.

16

Table of Contents

        We have two shared services agreements, one with Global Petroleum Corp. and another with Alliance Energy LLC. The services provided among these entities by any employees shared pursuant to these agreements does not limit the ability of such employees to provide all services necessary to properly run our business. Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Shared Services Agreements."

Item 1A.    Risk Factors.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may not have sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution or maintain distributions at current levels following establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general partner.

        We may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to pay the minimum quarterly distribution or maintain distributions at current levels. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:

•

competition from other companies that sell refined petroleum products and natural gas and renewable fuels in the Northeast;



•

demand for refined petroleum products in the markets we serve;



•

absolute price levels, as well as the volatility of prices, of refined petroleum products in both the spot and futures markets;



•

seasonal variation in temperatures, which affects demand for home heating oil and residual oil to the extent that it is used for space heating;



•

the level of our operating costs, including payments to our general partner; and



•

prevailing economic conditions.

        In addition, the actual amount of cash we have available for distribution will depend on other factors such as:

•

the level of capital expenditures we make;



•

the restrictions contained in our credit agreement, including borrowing base limitations and advance rates;



•

our debt service requirements;



•

the cost of acquisitions;



•

fluctuations in our working capital needs;



•

our ability to borrow under our credit agreement to make distributions to our unitholders; and



•

the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner, if any.

The amount of cash we have available for distribution to unitholders depends primarily on our cash flow and not solely on profitability.

        The amount of cash we have available for distribution depends primarily on our cash flow, including working capital borrowings, and not solely on profitability, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

17

Table of Contents

Our financial results are seasonal and generally lower in the second and third quarters of the calendar year, which may result in our need to borrow money in order to make distributions to our unitholders during these quarters.

        Demand for some refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally higher during November through March than during April through October. We obtain a significant portion of our sales of home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes during these winter months. Therefore, our results of operations for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally better than for the second and third quarters. With lower cash flow during the second and third calendar quarters, we may be required to borrow money in order to pay the minimum quarterly distribution to our unitholders. Any restrictions on our ability to borrow money could restrict our ability to make quarterly distributions to our unitholders.

A significant decrease in demand for refined petroleum products in the areas we serve would reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

        A significant decrease in demand for refined petroleum products in the areas that we serve could significantly reduce our revenues and, therefore, reduce our ability to make or increase distributions to our unitholders. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand for refined petroleum products include:

•

lower demand by consumers for refined petroleum products, including gasoline, home heating oil and residual oil, as a result of recession or other adverse economic conditions or due to high prices caused by an increase in the market price of refined petroleum products or higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of gasoline or other refined petroleum products;



•

a shift by consumers to more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel vehicles or an increase in fuel economy of vehicles, whether as a result of technological advances by manufacturers, governmental or regulatory actions or otherwise; and



•

conversion from consumption of home heating oil or residual oil to natural gas.

        Certain of our operating costs and expenses are fixed and do not vary with the volumes we store and distribute. These costs and expenses may not decrease ratably or at all should we experience a reduction in our volumes stored, distributed and sold. As a result, we may experience declines in our margin if our volumes decrease.

Our financial condition and results of operations are influenced by increases and/or decreases in the prices of refined petroleum products which may adversely impact our margins, our customer's financial condition, contract performance, trade credit, as well as the amount of borrowing available for working capital under our credit agreement, which credit agreement has borrowing base limitations and advance rates.

        Results from our purchasing, storing, terminalling and selling operations are influenced by prices for refined petroleum products, pricing volatility and the market for such products. When prices for refined petroleum products rise, some of our customers may have insufficient credit to purchase supply from us at their historical purchase volumes, and their customers, in turn, may adopt conservation measures which reduce consumption, thereby reducing demand for product. Furthermore, when prices increase rapidly and dramatically, we may be unable to promptly pass our additional costs to our customers, resulting in lower margins for us which could adversely affect our results of operations. Lastly, higher prices for refined petroleum products may (1) diminish our access to trade credit support and/or cause it to become more expensive and (2) decrease the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our credit agreement as a result of total available commitments, borrowing base limitations and advance rates thereunder.

18

Table of Contents

        In addition, when prices for refined petroleum products decline, our exposure to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers on forward contracts may be increased as they and/or their customers may breach their contracts and purchase refined petroleum products at the then lower spot and/or retail market price. Furthermore, lower prices for refined petroleum products may diminish the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our working capital revolving credit facility as a result of borrowing base limitations.

Our debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing and in pursuing other business opportunities.

        We have a significant amount of debt. As of December 31, 2010, our total debt was approximately $786.7 million. We have the ability to incur additional debt, including the capacity to borrow up to $1.15 billion under our credit facilities, subject to limitations in our credit agreement. Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including the following:

•

our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms;



•

covenants contained in our existing and future credit and debt arrangements will require us to meet financial tests that may affect our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business, including possible acquisition opportunities;



•

we will need a substantial portion of our cash flow to make principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, reducing the funds that would otherwise be available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to unitholders;



•

our debt level will make us more vulnerable than our competitors with less debt to competitive pressures or a downturn in our business or the economy generally; and



•

our debt level may limit our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions.

        Our ability to service our indebtedness depends upon, among other things, our financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions, such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments and/or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our indebtedness, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms, or at all.

We may not be able to obtain funding on acceptable terms or obtain additional requested funding in excess of total commitments under our credit agreement, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Over the recent past, global financial markets and economic conditions were disrupted and volatile. The debt and equity capital markets were exceedingly distressed. These issues, along with significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk and the economic conditions, had made and, along with any other potential future economic or market uncertainties, could make it difficult to obtain funding.

        As a result, the cost of raising money in the debt and equity capital markets could increase while the availability of funds from those markets could diminish. The cost of obtaining money from the

19

Table of Contents

credit markets could increase as many lenders and institutional investors increase interest rates, enact tighter lending standards and reduce and, in some cases, cease to provide funding to borrowers.

        In addition, we may be unable to obtain adequate funding under our credit agreement because (i) one or more of our lenders may be unable to meet its funding obligations or (ii) our borrowing base under our credit agreement, as redetermined from time to time, may decrease as a result of price fluctuations, counterparty risk, advance rates and borrowing base limitations and customer nonpayment or nonperformance.

        Due to these factors, we cannot be certain that funding will be available if needed and to the extent required or requested on acceptable terms. If funding is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to maintain our core business as currently conducted, enhance our existing business, complete acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Our credit agreement contains operating and financial restrictions that may restrict our business and financing activities.

        The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit agreement and any future financing agreements could restrict our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, our credit agreement restricts our ability to:

•

grant liens;



•

make certain loans or investments;



•

incur additional indebtedness or guarantee other indebtedness;



•

make any material change to the nature of our business or undergo a fundamental change;



•

make any material dispositions;



•

acquire another company;



•

enter into a merger, consolidation, sale leaseback transaction or purchase of assets;



•

make distributions if any potential default or event of default occurs;



•

modify borrowing base components and advance rates; or



•

make capital expenditures in excess of specified levels.

        Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our credit agreement may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we violate any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our credit agreement, a significant portion of our indebtedness may become immediately due and payable, and our lenders' commitment to make further loans to us may terminate. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, our obligations under our credit agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets, and if we are unable to repay our indebtedness under our credit agreement, the lenders could seek to foreclose on such assets.

20

Table of Contents

Restrictions in our credit agreement limit our ability to pay distributions upon the occurrence of certain events.

        Our credit agreement limits our ability to pay distributions upon the occurrence of the following events, among others:

•

failure to pay any principal when due or any interest, fees or other amounts when due;



•

failure of any representation or warranty to be true and correct in any material respect;



•

failure to perform or otherwise comply with the covenants in the credit agreement or in other loan documents to which we are a borrower;



•

any default in the performance of any obligation or condition beyond the applicable grace period relating to any other indebtedness of more than $2.0 million if the effect of the default is to permit or cause the acceleration of the indebtedness;



•

a judgment default for monetary judgments exceeding $2.0 million or a default under any non-monetary judgment if such default could have a material adverse effect on us;



•

a change in management or ownership control; and



•

a violation of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, or a bankruptcy or insolvency event involving us, our general partner or any of our subsidiaries.

        Any subsequent refinancing of our current debt or any new debt could have similar restrictions. For more information regarding our credit agreement, please read Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Agreement" and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

We can borrow money under our credit agreement to pay distributions, which would reduce the amount of credit available to operate our business.

        Our partnership agreement allows us to borrow under our credit agreement to pay distributions. Accordingly, we can make distributions on all our units even though cash generated by our operations may not be sufficient to pay such distributions. For more information, please read Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Credit Agreement" and Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Warmer weather conditions could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Weather conditions have an impact on the demand for both home heating oil and residual oil. Because we supply distributors whose customers depend on home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes during the winter, warmer-than-normal temperatures during the first and fourth calendar quarters in one or more regions in which we operate can decrease the total volume we sell and the gross profit realized on those sales and, consequently, our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

The recent adoption of derivatives legislation by the United States Congress could have an adverse effect on our ability to use derivative instruments to reduce the effect of commodity prices, interest rate and other risks associated with our business.

        The United States Congress recently adopted comprehensive financial reform legislation that establishes federal oversight and regulation of the over-the-counter derivatives market and entities, such as us, that participate in that market. The new legislation, known as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act") was signed into law by the President on

21

Table of Contents

July 21, 2010 and requires the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") and the SEC to promulgate rules and regulations implementing the new legislation within 360 days from the date of enactment. The CFTC has also proposed regulations to set position limits for certain futures and option contracts in the major energy markets, although it is not possible at this time to predict whether or when the CFTC will adopt those rules or include comparable provisions in its rulemaking under the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act may also require compliance with margin requirements and with certain clearing and trade-execution requirements in connection with certain derivative activities, although the application of those provisions is uncertain at this time. The financial reform legislation may also require the counterparties to our derivative instruments to spin off some of their derivatives activities to a separate entity, which may not be as creditworthy as the current counterparty.

        The new legislation and any new regulations could significantly increase the cost of some derivative contracts (including through requirements to post collateral which could adversely affect our available liquidity), materially alter the terms of some derivative contracts, reduce the availability of some derivatives to protect against risks we encounter, reduce our ability to monetize or restructure our existing derivative contracts, and potentially increase our exposure to less creditworthy counterparties. Any of these consequences could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Our risk management policies cannot eliminate all commodity risk, basis risk, or the impact of adverse market conditions which can adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. In addition, any noncompliance with our risk management policies could result in significant financial losses.

        While our hedging policies are designed to minimize commodity risk, some degree of exposure to unforeseen fluctuations in market conditions remains. For example, we change our hedged position daily in response to movements in our inventory. If we overestimate or underestimate our sales from inventory, we may be unhedged for the amount of the overestimate or underestimate. Also, significant increases in the costs of refined petroleum products can materially increase our costs to carry inventory. We use our credit facility as our primary source of financing to carry inventory and may be limited on the amounts we can borrow to carry inventory.

        Basis risk describes the inherent market price risk created when a commodity of certain grade or location is purchased, sold or exchanged as compared to a purchase, sale or exchange of a like commodity at a different time or place. Transportation costs and timing differentials are components of basis risk. For example, we use the NYMEX to hedge our commodity risk with respect to pricing of energy products traded on the NYMEX. Physical deliveries under NYMEX contracts are made in New York Harbor. To the extent we take deliveries in other ports, such as Boston Harbor, we may have basis risk. In a backward market (when prices for future deliveries are lower than current prices), basis risk is created with respect to timing. In these instances, physical inventory generally loses value as basis declines over time. Basis risk cannot be entirely eliminated, and basis exposure, particularly in backward or other adverse market conditions, can adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        We monitor processes and procedures to prevent unauthorized trading and to maintain substantial balance between purchases and sales or future delivery obligations. We can provide no assurance, however, that these steps will detect and/or prevent all violations of such risk management policies and procedures, particularly if deception or other intentional misconduct is involved.

22

Table of Contents

We are exposed to trade credit risk and risk associated with our trade credit support in the ordinary course of our business activities.

        We are exposed to risks of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers and by counterparties of our forward and futures contracts, options and swap agreements and by our suppliers. Some of our customers, counterparties and suppliers may be highly leveraged and subject to their own operating and regulatory risks. The tightening of credit in the financial markets may make it more difficult for customers and counterparties to obtain financing and, depending on the degree to which it occurs, there may be a material increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance of our customers and counterparties. Even if our credit review and analysis mechanisms work properly, we may experience financial losses in our dealings with other parties. Any increase in the nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers and/or counterparties and the nonperformance by our suppliers could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

        Additionally, our access to trade credit support could diminish and/or become more expensive. Our ability to continue to receive sufficient trade credit on commercially acceptable terms could be adversely affected by fluctuations in refined petroleum product prices or disruptions in the credit markets or for any other reason.

We are exposed to performance risk in our supply chain.

        We rely upon our suppliers to timely produce the volumes and types of refined petroleum products for which they contract with us. In the event one or more of our suppliers does not perform in accordance with its contractual obligations, we may be required to purchase product on the open market to satisfy forward contracts we have entered into with our customers in reliance upon such supply arrangements. We purchase refined petroleum products from a variety of suppliers under term contracts and on the spot market. In times of extreme market demand, we may be unable to satisfy our supply requirements. Furthermore, a portion of our supply comes from other countries, which could be disrupted by political events. In the event such supply becomes scarce, whether as a result of political events, natural disaster, logistical issues associated with delivery schedules or otherwise, we may not be able to satisfy our supply requirements. If any of these events were to occur, we may be required to pay more for product that we purchase on the open market, which could result in financial losses and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Some of our competitors have capital resources many times greater than ours and control greater supplies of refined petroleum products.

        Our competitors include terminal companies, major integrated oil companies and their marketing affiliates and independent marketers of varying sizes, financial resources and experience. Some of our competitors have capital resources many times greater than ours and control greater supplies of refined petroleum products. If we are unable to compete effectively, we may lose existing customers or fail to acquire new customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. For example, if a competitor attempts to increase market share by reducing prices, our operating results and cash available for distribution to our unitholders could be adversely affected. We may not be able to compete successfully with these companies.

23

Table of Contents

Some of our residual oil volumes are subject to customers switching or converting to natural gas which could result in loss of customers, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Our residual oil business competes for customers with suppliers of natural gas. Those end users who are dual-fuel users have the ability to switch from residual oil to natural gas. Other end users may elect to convert to natural gas. During a period of increasing residual oil prices relative to the prices of natural gas, dual-fuel using customers may switch and other end users may convert to natural gas. Such switching and conversions could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. We could face additional competition from alternative energy sources, such as natural gas, as a result of government-mandated controls or regulation promoting the use of cleaner fuels. Residual oil consumption has steadily declined over the last three decades.

Some of our heating oil volumes are subject to residential conversion to natural gas which could result in less demand for home heating oil and, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Our heating oil business competes for customers with suppliers of natural gas. During a period of increasing home heating oil prices relative to prices of natural gas, home heating oil users may convert to natural gas. Such conversions could reduce our sales of home heating oil and have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Erosion of the Mobil brand could have an adverse impact on our sales of Mobil-branded gasoline.

        We believe that the success of our acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil may be dependent, in part, upon the continuing favorable reputation of the Mobil brand. Erosion of the value of the Mobil brand could have a negative impact on our gasoline sales, which in turn may cause our recent acquisition to be less profitable.

New technologies and alternative fuel sources could reduce demand for our gasoline products.

        Technological advances and alternative fuel sources, such as electric, hybrid or battery powered motor vehicles, may adversely affect the demand for gasoline. We could face additional competition from alternative energy sources as a result of future government-mandated controls or regulations which promote the use of alternative fuel sources. A reduction in demand for our gasoline products could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distributions to our unitholders.

The ethanol industry is highly dependent upon government usage mandates and tax credits. Changes to these mandates and/or tax credits could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol and negatively impact our gasoline sales.

        Our ethanol purchasing, transporting, blending and sales activities subject us to various risks including operating risks, risks of supply disruption, commodity price fluctuations and changes in government mandates and regulations. The domestic market for ethanol is tied to federal mandates for blending ethanol with gasoline. Future demand will be largely dependent upon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline and ethanol, taking into consideration the blender's credit and the EPA's regulations on the RFS program. Any significant increase in production capacity beyond the RFS level may have an adverse impact on ethanol prices, and the RFS mandate with respect to ethanol derived from grain could be reduced or waived entirely. The blender's credit is currently authorized through December 31, 2011. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or the

24

Table of Contents

failure to extend the blender's credit could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol and our gasoline and ethanol sales.

We may not be able to obtain state fund or insurance reimbursement of our environmental remediation costs.

        Where releases of refined petroleum products have occurred, federal and state laws and regulations require that contamination caused by such releases be assessed and remediated to meet applicable standards. Our obligation to remediate this type of contamination varies, depending upon applicable laws and regulations and the extent of, and the facts relating to, the release. A portion of the remediation costs may be recoverable from the reimbursement fund of the applicable state (with respect to gas stations) and/or from third party insurance after any deductible has been met, but there are no assurances that such reimbursement funds or insurance proceeds will be available to us.

Future consumer or other litigation could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

        Our retail gasoline and convenience store operations are characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving an array of products. These operations carry a higher exposure to consumer litigation risk when compared to the operations of companies operating in many other industries. Consequently, we may become a party to individual personal injury, or products liability and other legal actions in the ordinary course of our retail gasoline and convenience store business. While these actions are generally routine in nature, incidental to the operation of business and immaterial in scope, if our assessment of any action or actions should prove inaccurate, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted. Additionally, we are occasionally exposed to industry-wide or class action claims arising from the products we carry or industry-specific business practices. Our defense costs and any resulting damage awards or settlement amounts may not be fully covered by our insurance policies. An unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distributions.

We depend upon a small number of suppliers for a substantial portion of our convenience store merchandise inventory. A disruption in supply or an unexpected change in our relationships with our principal merchandise suppliers could have an adverse effect on our convenience store results of operations.

        We purchase convenience store merchandise inventory from a small number of suppliers for our directly operated convenience stores. A change of merchandise suppliers, a disruption in supply or a significant change in our relationships with our principal merchandise suppliers could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

We face intense competition in our purchasing, terminalling and storage activities. Competition from other providers of refined petroleum products and natural gas that are able to supply our customers with those products and services at a lower price could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

        We are subject to competition from other refined petroleum product distributors and suppliers of natural gas and renewable fuels that may be able to supply our customers with the same or comparable products and terminalling and storage services on a more competitive basis. We compete with terminal companies, major integrated oil companies and their marketing affiliates and independent marketers of varying sizes, financial resources and experience. Some of these competitors are substantially larger than us, have greater financial resources and control substantially greater storage capacity than we do. Our ability to compete could be harmed by factors including, but not limited to, price competition and the availability of alternative and less expensive fuels.

25

Table of Contents

Energy efficiency, new technology and alternative fuels could reduce demand for our products and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Increased conservation and technological advances, including installation of improved insulation and the development of more efficient furnaces and other heating devices, have adversely affected the demand for home heating oil and residual oil. Future conservation measures and technological advances in heating, conservation, energy generation or other devices might reduce demand and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

A principal focus of our business strategy is to grow and expand our business through acquisitions. If we do not make acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, our future growth may be limited.

        A principal focus of our business strategy is to grow and expand our business through acquisitions. Our ability to grow depends, in part, on our ability to make acquisitions that result in an increase in the cash generated per unit from operations. If we are unable to make these accretive acquisitions, either because we are (1) unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts with them, (2) unable to obtain financing for these acquisitions on economically acceptable terms or (3) outbid by competitors, then our future growth and ability to increase distributions will be limited. Furthermore, even if we do make acquisitions that we believe will be accretive, these acquisitions may nevertheless result in a decrease in the cash generated from operations per unit.

        Any acquisition involves potential risks, including, among other things:

•

mistaken assumptions about volumes, revenues and costs, including synergies;



•

an inability to integrate successfully the businesses we acquire;



•

an inability to hire, train or retain qualified personnel to manage and operate our business and newly acquired assets;



•

the assumption of unknown liabilities;



•

limitations on rights to indemnity from the seller;



•

mistaken assumptions about the overall costs of equity or debt;



•

the diversion of management's and employees' attention from other business concerns;



•

unforeseen difficulties operating in new product areas or new geographic areas; and



•

customer or key employee losses at the acquired businesses.

Our acquisition strategy involves risks that could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

        Even if we consummate acquisitions that we believe will be accretive, they may in fact result in no increase or even a decrease in cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Any acquisition involves potential risks, including:

•

performance from the acquired assets and businesses that is below the forecasts we used in evaluating the acquisition;



•

a significant increase in our indebtedness and working capital requirements;



•

the inability to timely and effectively integrate the operations of recently acquired businesses or assets, particularly those in new geographic areas or in new lines of business;

26

Table of Contents

•

the incurrence of substantial unforeseen environmental and other liabilities arising out of the acquired businesses or assets, including liabilities arising from the operation of the acquired businesses or assets prior to our acquisition, for which we are not indemnified or for which the indemnity is inadequate;



•

customer or key employee loss from the acquired businesses; and



•

diversion of our management's attention from other business concerns.

        If any acquisitions we ultimately consummate do not generate expected increases in cash available for distribution to our unitholders, our ability to make such distributions will be reduced.

We may not be able to renew our leases or our agreements for dedicated storage when they expire.

        The bulk terminals we own or lease or at which we maintain dedicated storage facilities play a key role in moving product to our customers. We lease the entirety of two bulk terminals that we operate exclusively for our business and maintain dedicated storage facilities at another eight bulk terminals. The agreements governing these arrangements are subject to expiration at various dates through 2019. These arrangements may not be renewed when they expire or, if renewed, may not be renewed at rates and on terms at least as favorable. If these agreements are not renewed or we are unable to renew these agreements at rates and on terms at least as favorable, it could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

A material amount of our terminalling capacity is controlled by one of our affiliates. Loss of that capacity could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        We currently have an exclusive throughput arrangement for a terminal located in Revere, Massachusetts with one of our affiliates, Global Petroleum Corp. (which entity is owned by Alfred A. Slifka and Richard Slifka). As of December 31, 2010, this facility accounted for approximately 21% of our storage capacity. We store distillates and gasoline at this facility. The throughput agreement for this facility expires in 2014. After expiration of the agreement, we can provide no assurance that Global Petroleum Corp. will continue to grant us exclusive use of the terminal or that the terms of a renegotiated agreement will be as favorable to us as the agreement it replaces. If we are unable to renew the agreement or unable to renew on terms at least as favorable, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Some of our sales are generated under contracts that must be renegotiated or replaced periodically. If we are unable to successfully renegotiate or replace these contracts, our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders could be adversely affected.

        Most of our arrangements with our customers are for a single season or on a spot basis. As these contracts expire, they must be renegotiated or replaced. We may be unable to renegotiate or replace these contracts when they expire, and the terms of any renegotiated contracts may not be as favorable as the contracts they replace. Whether these contracts are successfully renegotiated or replaced is often subject to factors beyond our control. Such factors include fluctuations in refined petroleum product and natural gas prices, counterparty ability to pay for or accept the contracted volumes and a competitive marketplace for the services offered by us. If we cannot successfully renegotiate or replace our contracts or renegotiate or replace them on less favorable terms, sales from these arrangements could decline, and our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders could be adversely affected.

27

Table of Contents

Due to our lack of asset and geographic diversification, adverse developments in the terminals we use or in our operating areas would reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

        We rely primarily on sales generated from products distributed from the terminals we own or control or to which we have access. Furthermore, the majority of our assets and operations are located in the Northeast. Due to our lack of diversification in asset type and location, an adverse development in these businesses or areas, including adverse developments due to catastrophic events or weather and decreases in demand for refined petroleum products, could have a significantly greater impact on our results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders than if we maintained more diverse assets and locations.

Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions for which we may not be adequately insured.

        We are not fully insured against all risks incident to our business. Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions such as natural disasters, adverse weather, accidents, fires, explosions, hazardous materials releases, mechanical failures, disruptions in supply infrastructure or logistics and other events beyond our control. If any of these events were to occur, we could incur substantial losses because of personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, and pollution or other environmental damage resulting in curtailment or suspension of our related operations.

        Furthermore, we may be unable to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our insurance policies have increased and could escalate further. In some instances, certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we are not fully insured, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to unitholders.

New, stricter environmental laws and regulations could significantly increase our costs, which could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating product quality specifications and other environmental matters. The trend in environmental regulation is towards more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment. Our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders may be adversely affected by increased costs and liabilities resulting from such stricter laws and regulations. We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and to plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance. However, there can be no assurances as to the timing and type of such changes in existing laws or the promulgation of new laws or the amount of any required expenditures associated therewith.

Our terminalling operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and operational safety that could require us to incur substantial costs.

        The risk of substantial environmental costs and liabilities is inherent in terminal operations, and we may incur substantial environmental costs and liabilities. Our terminalling operations involving the receipt, storage and redelivery of refined petroleum products are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, operational safety and related matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations increases our overall cost of business, including our capital costs to maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities. We utilize a number of terminals that are owned and operated by third parties who are also subject to these stringent federal, state and local environmental laws in

28

Table of Contents

their operations. Their compliance with these requirements could increase the cost of doing business with these facilities.

        In addition, our operations could be adversely affected if shippers of refined petroleum products incur additional costs or liabilities associated with environmental regulations. These shippers could increase their charges to us or discontinue service altogether.

        Various governmental authorities, including the EPA, have the power to enforce compliance with these regulations and the permits issued under them, and violators are subject to administrative, civil and criminal penalties, including fines, injunctions or both. Joint and several liability may be incurred, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, under federal and state environmental laws for the remediation of contaminated areas at our facilities and those where we do business. Private parties, including the owners of properties located near our terminal facilities and those with whom we do business, also may have the right to pursue legal actions against us to enforce compliance with environmental laws, as well as seek damages for personal injury or property damage. We may also be held liable for damages to natural resources.

        The possibility exists that new, stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase our compliance costs and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary, some of which may be material. Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs or may not provide sufficient coverage in the event an environmental claim is made against us. We may incur increased costs because of stricter pollution control requirements or liabilities resulting from noncompliance with required operating or other regulatory permits. New environmental regulations, such as those related to the emissions of greenhouse gases, might adversely affect our products and activities, including the storage of refined petroleum products, as well as waste management and our control of air emissions. Enactment of laws and passage of regulations regarding GHG emissions, or other actions to limit carbon dioxide emissions may reduce demand for fossil fuels and impact our business. Federal and state agencies also could impose additional safety regulations to which we would be subject. Because the laws and regulations applicable to our operations are subject to change, we cannot provide any assurance that compliance with future laws and regulations will not have a material effect on our results of operations.

Increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions could result in increased operating costs and reduced demand for refined petroleum products as a fuel source, which could reduce demand for our products, decrease our revenues and reduce our profitability.

        Combustion of fossil fuels, such as the refined petroleum products we sell, results in the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. On December 15, 2009, the EPA published its findings that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases present an endangerment to public health and the environment because emissions of such gases are, according to the EPA, contributing to warming of the earth's atmosphere and other climatic changes, and the EPA has begun to regulate GHG emissions pursuant to the Clean Air Act. In addition, it is possible federal legislation could be adopted in the future to restrict GHG, as President Obama has expressed support for a mandatory cap and trade program to restrict or regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, and Congress has recently considered various proposals to reduce GHG emissions. Many states and regions have adopted GHG initiatives. Please read "Item 1. Business—Environmental—Air Emissions."

        There are many regulatory approaches currently in effect or being considered to address greenhouse gases, including possible future U.S. treaty commitments, new federal or state legislation that may impose a carbon emissions tax or establish a cap-and-trade program and regulation by the EPA. The 2010 congressional mid-term elections, especially the loss of the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives, will probably change the EPA's approach in 2011 and beyond. Future international, federal and state initiatives to control carbon dioxide emissions could result in increased

29

Table of Contents

costs associated with refined petroleum products consumption, such as costs to install additional controls to reduce carbon dioxide emissions or costs to purchase emissions reduction credits to comply with future emissions trading programs. Such increased costs could result in reduced demand for refined petroleum products and some customers switching to alternative sources of fuel which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distributions to our unitholders.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern the product quality specifications of the refined petroleum products we purchase, store, transport and sell.

        Various federal, state and local government agencies have the authority to prescribe specific product quality specifications to the sale of commodities. Our business includes such commodities. Changes in product quality specifications, such as reduced sulfur content in refined petroleum products, or other more stringent requirements for fuels, could reduce our ability to procure product and our sales volume, require us to incur additional handling costs and/or require the expenditure of capital. For instance, different product specifications for different markets could require additional storage. If we are unable to procure product or recover these costs through increased sales, we may not be able to meet our financial obligations. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in substantial penalties.

We are subject to federal and state environmental regulations which could have a material adverse effect on our retail operations business.

        Our retail operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those relating to the protection of the environment, waste management, discharge of hazardous materials, pollution prevention, as well as laws and regulations relating to public safety and health. Certain of these laws and regulations may require assessment or remediation efforts. Retail operations with underground storage tanks ("USTs") are subject to federal and state regulations and legislation. Compliance with existing and future environmental laws regulating underground storage tanks may require significant capital expenditures and increased operating and maintenance costs. The operation of USTs also poses certain other risks, including damages associated with soil and groundwater contamination. Leaks from USTs which may occur at one or more of our gas stations may impact soil or groundwater and could result in fines or civil liability for us. We may be required to make material expenditures to modify operations, perform site cleanups or curtail operations.

We are subject to federal and state non-environmental regulations which could have an adverse effect on our convenience store business and results of operations.

        Our convenience store business is subject to extensive governmental laws and regulations that include, but are not limited to, legal restrictions on the sale of alcohol, tobacco and lottery products, food safety and health requirements and public accessibility. Furthermore, state and local regulatory agencies have the power to approve, revoke, suspend, or deny applications for and renewals of permits and licenses relating to the sale of alcohol, tobacco and lottery products or to seek other remedies. A violation of or change in such laws and/or regulations could have an adverse effect on our convenience store business and results of operations.

Any terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities and any global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist activities and the government's response could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets may be future targets of terrorist organizations. These developments have subjected our operations to increased risks. We incurred costs for providing facility security and

30

Table of Contents

may incur additional costs in the future with respect to the receipt, storage and distribution of our products. Additional security measures could also restrict our ability to distribute refined petroleum products. Any future terrorist attack on our facilities, or those of our customers, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Terrorist activity could lead to increased volatility in prices for home heating oil, gasoline and other products we sell, which could decrease our customers' demand for these products. Insurance carriers are required to offer coverage for terrorist activities as a result of federal legislation. We purchased this coverage with respect to our property and casualty insurance programs. This additional coverage resulted in additional insurance premiums which could increase further in the future.

We depend on key personnel for the success of our business, and some of those persons face conflicts in the allocation of their time to our business.

        We depend on the services of our senior management team and other key personnel. The loss of the services of any member of senior management or key employee could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. We may not be able to locate or employ on acceptable terms qualified replacements for senior management or other key employees if their services were no longer available. Except with respect to certain of our named executive officers, neither we, our general partner nor any affiliate thereof entered into an employment agreement with, or, except for Eric Slifka, carry key man life insurance on, any member of our senior management team or other key personnel.

        All of the executive officers of our general partner perform services for certain of our affiliates. Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Relationship of Management with Global Petroleum Corp. and Alliance Energy LLC."

We depend on unionized labor for the operation of our terminals in Chelsea, Massachusetts and at certain of our terminals in New York and at the facility in Revere, Massachusetts which is controlled and operated by one of our affiliates. Any work stoppages or labor disturbances at these facilities could disrupt our business.

        Any work stoppages or labor disturbances by our unionized labor force at our facilities, including drivers at Chelsea, Massachusetts, could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. In addition, employees who are not currently represented by labor unions may seek representation in the future, and any renegotiation of collective bargaining agreements may result in terms that are less favorable to us.

We rely on our information technology systems to manage numerous aspects of our business, and a disruption of these systems could adversely affect our business.

        We depend on our information technology ("IT") systems to manage numerous aspects of our business and to provide analytical information to management. Our IT systems are an essential component of our business and growth strategies, and a serious disruption to our IT systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently. These systems are vulnerable to, among other things, damage and interruption from power loss or natural disasters, computer system and network failures, loss of telecommunication services, physical and electronic loss of data, security breaches and computer viruses. We have a disaster recovery plan in place, but this plan may not entirely prevent delays or other complications that could arise from an IT systems failure. Any failure or interruption in our IT systems could have a negative impact on our operating results, cause our business and competitive position to suffer and damage our reputation.

31

Table of Contents

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, then we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential unitholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common units.

        Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports, prevent fraud and operate successfully as a public company. If our efforts to maintain internal controls are not successful or if we are unable to maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future or if we are unable to comply with our obligations under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, our operating results could be harmed or we may fail to meet our reporting obligations. Ineffective internal controls also could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common units.

Risks Related to our Structure

Our general partner and its affiliates have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to the detriment of our unitholders.

        As of March 8, 2011, affiliates of our general partner, including directors and executive officers of our general partner, owned 25% of our common units and our 1.06% general partner interest. Although our general partner has a fiduciary duty to manage us in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders, the directors and officers of our general partner have a fiduciary duty to manage our general partner in a manner beneficial to its owners. Furthermore, certain directors and officers of our general partner are directors or officers of affiliates of our general partner. Conflicts of interest may arise between our general partner and its affiliates, on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our general partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates over the interests of our unitholders. Please read "—Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's fiduciary duties to unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty." These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:

•

Our general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as affiliates of its members, in resolving conflicts of interest, which has the effect of limiting its fiduciary duty to our unitholders.



•

Affiliates of our general partner may engage in competition with us under certain circumstances. See "—Certain members of the Slifka family and their affiliates may engage in activities that compete directly with us."



•

Neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires owners of our general partner to pursue a business strategy that favors us. Directors and officers of our general partner's owners have a fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best interest of such owners which may be contrary to our interests.



•

Some officers of our general partner who provide services to us devote time to affiliates of our general partner.



•

Our general partner has limited its liability and reduced its fiduciary duties under the partnership agreement, while also restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for actions that, without these limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty. As a result of purchasing common units, unitholders consent to some actions and conflicts of interest that might otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary or other duties under applicable state law.

32

Table of Contents

•

Our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, borrowings, issuances of additional partnership securities and reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.



•

Our general partner determines the amount and timing of any capital expenditures and whether a capital expenditure is a maintenance capital expenditure, which reduces distributable cash flow, or a capital expenditure for acquisitions or capital improvements, which does not, and determination can affect the amount of cash distributed to our unitholders.



•

In some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of cash distributions, even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make incentive distributions.



•

Our general partner determines which costs incurred by it and its affiliates are reimbursable by us.



•

Our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf.



•

Our general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our contractual and other obligations.



•

Our general partner may exercise its limited right to call and purchase common units if it and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units.



•

Our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by it and its affiliates.



•

Our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to perform services for us.

        Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Omnibus Agreement."

Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's fiduciary duties to unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.

        Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the standards to which our general partner would otherwise be held by state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement:

•

permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner. This entitles our general partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires, and it has no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or any limited partner. Examples include the exercise of its limited call right, its voting rights with respect to the units it owns, its registration rights and its determination whether or not to consent to any merger or consolidation of us;



•

provides that our general partner shall not have any liability to us or our unitholders for decisions made in its capacity as general partner so long as it acted in good faith, meaning it believed that the decision was in our best interests;



•

generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest not approved by the conflicts committee of the board of directors of our general partner and not involving a vote of unitholders must be on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or be "fair and reasonable" to us and that, in determining whether a transaction or resolution is "fair and reasonable," our general

33

Table of Contents

partner may consider the totality of the relationships between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be particularly advantageous or beneficial to us; and

•

provides that our general partner and its officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us, our limited partners or assignees for any acts or omissions unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that the general partner or those other persons acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct.

        By purchasing a common unit, a common unitholder will become bound by the provisions of the partnership agreement, including the provisions described above.

Unitholders have limited voting rights and are not entitled to elect our general partner or its directors or remove our general partner without its consent, which could lower the trading price of our common units.

        Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business and, therefore, limited ability to influence management's decisions regarding our business. Unitholders have no right to elect our general partner or its board of directors on an annual or other continuing basis. The board of directors of our general partner is chosen entirely by its members and not by the unitholders. Furthermore, if the unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they have limited ability to remove our general partner. As a result of these limitations, the price at which the common units trade could diminish because of the absence or reduction of a takeover premium in the trading price.

        The unitholders are currently unable to remove our general partner without its consent because affiliates of our general partner own sufficient units to be able to prevent removal of our general partner. The vote of the holders of at least 66²/3% of all outstanding common units voting is required to remove our general partner. As of March 8, 2011, affiliates of our general partner, including directors and executive officers of our general partner, own 25% of our common units.

We may issue additional units without unitholder approval, which would dilute unitholders' ownership interests.

        At any time, we may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type without the approval of our unitholders. The issuance by us of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects:

•

our unitholders' proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;



•

the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease;



•

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and



•

the market price of the common units may decline.

The market price of our common units could be adversely affected by sales of substantial amounts of our common units, including sales by our existing unitholders.

        As of March 8, 2011, we had 21,580,563 common units outstanding. A substantial number of our securities may be sold in the future either pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") or pursuant to a registration statement filed with the SEC. Rule 144 under the Securities Act provides that after a holding period of six months, non-affiliates may resell restricted securities of reporting companies, provided that current public information for the reporting company is available. After a holding period of one year, non-affiliates may resell without restriction, and affiliates may resell in compliance with the volume, current public information and manner of sale

34

Table of Contents

requirements of Rule 144. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, members of the Slifka family have registration rights with respect to the common units owned by them.

        Sales by any of our existing unitholders of a substantial number of our common units, or the perception that such sales might occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our common units or could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities.

        In recent years, the securities market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies for reasons unrelated to the operating performance of these companies. Future market fluctuations may result in a lower price of our common units.

An increase in interest rates may cause the market price of our common units to decline.

        Like all equity investments, an investment in our common units is subject to certain risks. In exchange for accepting these risks, investors may expect to receive a higher rate of return than would otherwise be obtainable from lower-risk investments. Accordingly, as interest rates rise, the ability of investors to obtain higher risk-adjusted rates of return by purchasing government-backed debt securities may cause a corresponding decline in demand for riskier investments generally, including yield-based equity investments such as publicly-traded limited partnership interests. Reduced demand for our common units resulting from investors seeking other more favorable investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our common units to decline.

Our general partner has a limited call right that may require unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price.

        If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than their then-current market price. As a result, unitholders may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on their investment. Unitholders may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of their units. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon exercise of the limited call right. There is no restriction in our partnership agreement that prevents our general partner from issuing additional common units and exercising its call right. If our general partner exercises its limited call right, the effect would be to take us private and, if the units were subsequently deregistered, we would no longer be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning 20% or more of our common units.

        Our partnership agreement restricts unitholders' voting rights by providing that any units held by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of the board of directors of our general partner, cannot vote on any matter. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders' ability to influence the manner or direction of management.

35

Table of Contents

Cost reimbursements due our general partner and its affiliates will reduce cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Prior to making any distribution on the common units, we reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all expenses they incur on our behalf, which is determined by our general partner in its sole discretion. These expenses include all costs incurred by the general partner and its affiliates in managing and operating us, including costs for rendering corporate staff and support services to us. We are managed and operated by directors and executive officers of our general partner. In addition, the majority of our operating personnel are employees of our general partner. Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence." The reimbursement of expenses and payment of fees, if any, to our general partner and its affiliates could adversely affect our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders.

Unitholders may not have limited liability if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of our business.

        A general partner of a partnership generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. Our partnership is organized under Delaware law, and we conduct business in a number of other states. The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some of the other states in which we do business. A unitholder could be liable for our obligations as if he were a general partner if:

•

a court or government agency determined that we were conducting business in a state but had not complied with that particular state's partnership statute; or



•

a unitholder's right to act with other unitholders to remove or replace the general partner, approve some amendments to our partnership agreement or take other actions under our partnership agreement constitute "control" of our business.

Unitholders may have liability to repay distributions.

        Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under Delaware law, we may not make a distribution to unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Purchasers of units who become limited partners are liable for the obligations of the transferring limited partner to make contributions to us that are known to the purchaser of units at the time it became a limited partner and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be determined from the partnership agreement. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities that are non-recourse to us are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted.

The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.

        Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders. Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership agreement on the ability of the members of our general partner from transferring their respective membership interests in our general partner to a third party. The new members of our general partner would then be in a position to replace the board of directors and officers of our general partner with their own choices and control the decisions taken by the board of directors and officers of our general partner.

36

Table of Contents

Certain members of the Slifka family and their affiliates may engage in activities that compete directly with us.

        Certain members of the Slifka family and their affiliates are subject to the noncompete provisions in the omnibus agreement. The omnibus agreement does not prohibit certain affiliates of our general partner from owning certain assets or engaging in certain businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence—Omnibus Agreement."

Tax Risks

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, were to treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, our cash available for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced.

        The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in the common units depends largely on our being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not plan to request, a ruling from the IRS on this or any other tax matter affecting us.

        Despite the fact that we are a limited partnership under Delaware law, it is possible in certain circumstances for a partnership such as us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Although we do not believe based upon our current operations that we are so treated, a change in our business (or a change in current law) could cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to taxation as an entity.

        If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%, and would likely pay state tax at varying rates. Distributions to unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, our cash available for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced. Thus, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of the common units.

If we were subjected to a material amount of additional entity-level taxation by individual states, it would reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

        Changes in current state law may subject us to additional entity-level taxation by individual states. Because of widespread state budget deficits and other reasons, several states are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise or other forms of taxation. If any state were to impose a tax upon us as an entity, the cash available for distribution to unitholders would be reduced and, therefore, adversely affect the value of an investment in our units.

        Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to additional amounts of entity-level taxation for state or local income tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amounts will be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.

The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our common units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.

        The present federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our common units may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation

37

Table of Contents

at any time. For example, members of Congress have recently considered substantive changes to the existing federal income tax laws that would have affected certain publicly traded partnerships. Any modification to the federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the "qualifying income" exception for us to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, affect or cause us to change our business activities, affect the tax considerations of an investment in us, change the character or treatment of portions of our income and adversely affect an investment in our common units. We are unable to predict whether similar changes, or other proposals, will ultimately be enacted. Any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.

        Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for federal income tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution amounts may be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.

We have a subsidiary that is treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes and subject to corporate-level income taxes.

        We conduct all or a portion of our operations of our end-user business through a subsidiary that is organized as a corporation. In addition, through Alliance, as its management agent, the corporation engages in the retail sale of gasoline and operates convenience stores with respect to certain of the stations we acquired from ExxonMobil and collects rents on personal property to dealers at other stations we acquired from ExxonMobil. We may elect to conduct additional operations through this corporate subsidiary in the future. This corporate subsidiary is subject to corporate-level tax, which reduces the cash available for distribution to us and, in turn, to unitholders. If the IRS were to successfully assert that this corporation has more tax liability than we anticipate or legislation were enacted that increased the corporate tax rate, our cash available for distribution to unitholders would be further reduced.

If the IRS contests the federal income tax positions we take, the market for our common units may be adversely impacted, and the costs of any IRS contest will reduce our cash available for distribution to unitholders.

        We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the tax positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we take. A court may not agree with the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition, because the costs will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner, the costs of any contest with the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution.

Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on their share of our income even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

        Because unitholders are treated as partners to whom we allocate taxable income, which could be different in amount than the cash we distribute, unitholders may be required to pay any federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes on their share of our taxable income even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be more or less than expected.

        If a unitholder sells his common units, he will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and his tax basis in those common units. Because distributions to a

38

Table of Contents

unitholder in excess of the unitholder's allocable share of our net taxable income decreases the unitholder's tax basis in his common units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to the units sold will, in effect, become taxable income to him if the common units are sold at a price greater than his tax basis in the common units, even if the price he receives is less than his original cost. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, may be taxed as ordinary income to the unitholder due to potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. In addition, because the amount realized includes a unitholder's share of our non-recourse liabilities, if a unitholder sells his units, he may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash he receives from the sale.

Tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning our common units that may result in adverse tax consequences to them.

        Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), and non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes imposed at the highest applicable tax rate, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file U.S. federal tax returns and pay tax on their shares of our taxable income. If you are a tax exempt entity or a non-U.S. person, you should consult your tax advisor before investing in our common units.

We treat each purchaser of our common units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the actual common units purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

        To maintain the uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics of our common units, we have adopted certain depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury Regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of taxable income or loss allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the gain from a unitholder's sale of common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders' tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions. Consequently, a successful IRS challenge could have a negative impact on the value of our common units.

We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

        We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. The use of this proration method may not be permitted under existing Treasury Regulations. Recently, the U.S. Treasury Department issued proposed Treasury Regulations that provide a safe harbor pursuant to which publicly traded partnerships may use a similar monthly simplifying convention to allocate tax items among transferor and transferee unitholders. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method or new Treasury Regulations were issued, we may be required to change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

39

Table of Contents

A unitholder whose units are loaned to a "short seller" to cover a short sale of units may be considered as having disposed of those units. If so, the unitholder would no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition.

        Because a unitholder whose units are loaned to a "short seller" to cover a short sale of units may be considered as having disposed of the loaned units, he may no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those units during the period of the loan to the short seller and the unitholder may recognize gain or loss from such disposition. Moreover, during the period of the loan to the short seller, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those units may not be reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those units could be fully taxable as ordinary income. Unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing their units.

We have adopted certain valuation methodologies for U.S. federal income tax purposes that may result in a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partner and the unitholders. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

        When we issue additional units or engage in certain other transactions, we determine the fair market value of our assets and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our assets to the capital accounts of our unitholders and our general partner. Although we may from time to time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, including the valuation of our assets, we make many of the fair market value estimates of our assets ourselves using a methodology based on the market value of our common units as a means to measure the fair market value of our assets. Our methodology may be viewed as understating the value of our assets. In that case, there may be a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between certain unitholders and our general partner, which may be unfavorable to such unitholders. Moreover, under our current valuation methods, subsequent purchasers of common units may have a greater portion of their Internal Revenue Code Section 743(b) adjustment allocated to our tangible assets and a lesser portion allocated to our intangible assets. The IRS may challenge our valuation methods, or our allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to our tangible and intangible assets, and allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction between our general partner and certain of our unitholders.

        A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount of taxable income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of taxable gain from our unitholders' sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of the common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders' tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions.

The sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and profits interests during any twelve-month period will result in the termination of our partnership for federal income tax purposes.

        We will be considered to have constructively terminated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a twelve-month period. For purposes of determining whether the 50% threshold has been met, multiple sales of the same interest will be counted only once. Our termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders, which could result in us filing two tax returns (and unitholders receiving two Schedule K-1s) for one calendar year. Our termination could also result in a significant deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. In the case of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a calendar year, the closing of our taxable year may also result in more than twelve months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of termination. Our termination would not affect our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes but instead, we would be treated as a

40

Table of Contents

new partnership for federal income tax purposes. If we were treated as a new partnership, we would be required to make new tax elections and could be subject to penalties if we were unable to determine that a termination occurred. The IRS has recently announced a relief procedure whereby the IRS may allow a publicly traded partnership that has technically terminated to provide only a single Schedule K-1 to unitholders for the tax years in which the termination occurs.

Unitholders may be subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements in jurisdictions where they do not live as a result of investing in our common units.

        In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, including state, local and non-U.S. taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we conduct business or own property now or in the future, even if they do not live in any of those jurisdictions. Unitholders will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, unitholders may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. As of December 31, 2010, we conducted business in 16 states, some of which impose a personal income tax as well as an income tax on corporations and other entities. We may own property or conduct business in other states or non-U.S. countries in the future. It is the unitholder's responsibility to file all U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S. tax returns.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments.

        None.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings.

General

        Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, we do not believe that we are a party to any litigation that will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Except as described below, we are not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us. We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our general partner believes are reasonable and prudent. However, we can provide no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economically acceptable prices.

Environmental

        In connection with the September 2010 acquisition of retail gas stations from ExxonMobil, we assumed certain environmental liabilities with respect to the Acquired Sites (as defined in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview—ExxonMobil Acquisition"). Based on consultations with environmental engineers, our estimated cost of the remediation is expected to be approximately $30.0 million to be expended over an extended period of time. The assumed environmental liabilities include environmental remediation at approximately 70 of the Acquired Sites and future remediation activities at all sites required by applicable federal, state or local law or regulation. Remedial action plans are in place with the applicable state regulatory agencies for the majority of these locations, including plans for soil and groundwater treatment systems at certain sites. We believe that completion of the remediation efforts will not result in material costs in excess of the environmental reserve or have a material impact on our operations. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

41

Table of Contents

        In connection with the June 2010 acquisition of the Warex Terminals, we assumed certain environmental liabilities, including certain ongoing remediation efforts. As a result, we recorded, on an undiscounted basis, a total environmental liability of approximately $1.5 million. We do not believe that completion of the remediation efforts will result in material costs in excess of the environmental reserve or have a material impact on our operations. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

        In connection with the November 2007 acquisition of ExxonMobil's Glenwood Landing and Inwood, New York terminals, we assumed certain environmental liabilities, including the remediation obligations under remedial action plans submitted by ExxonMobil to and approved by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation ("NYDEC") with respect to both terminals. As a result, we recorded total environmental liabilities of approximately $1.2 million, of which approximately $0.8 million was paid by us through December 31, 2010. The remaining liability of $0.4 million was recorded as a current liability of $0.3 million and a long-term liability of $0.1 million at December 31, 2010. We have implemented the remedial action plans and do not believe that compliance with the terms thereof will result in material costs in excess of the environmental reserve or have a material impact on our operations. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

        In connection with the May 2007 acquisition of ExxonMobil's Albany and Newburgh, New York and Burlington, Vermont terminals, we assumed certain environmental liabilities, including the remediation obligations under a proposed remedial action plan submitted by ExxonMobil to NYDEC with respect to the Albany, New York terminal. As a result, we recorded total environmental liabilities of approximately $8.0 million. In June 2008, we submitted a remedial action work plan to NYDEC, implementing NYDEC's conditional approval of the remedial action plan submitted by ExxonMobil. We responded to NYDEC's requests for additional information and conducted pilot tests for the remediation outlined in the work plan. Based on the results of such pilot tests, we changed our estimate and reduced the environmental liability by $2.8 million during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008. Through December 31, 2010, we paid approximately $2.4 million and, at December 31, 2010, this liability had a balance of $2.8 million. In July 2009, NYDEC approved the remedial action work plan, and we signed a Stipulation Agreement with NYDEC to govern implementation of the approved plan. We do not believe that compliance with the terms of the approved remedial action work plan will result in material costs in excess of the environmental reserve or have a material impact on our operations. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Other

        In January 2011, the trustee administering the post-bankruptcy litigation trust of Lyondell Chemical Company ("Lyondell") and certain of its affiliates brought an action against us to recover payments totaling approximately $6.0 million made to us by an affiliate of Lyondell that the trustee claims were paid shortly before the Lyondell bankruptcy and at a time when the affiliate was insolvent, allegedly permitting the avoidance or recovery of those payments pursuant to bankruptcy law. We believe that the payments were made by the affiliate in the ordinary course of both its and our business as contemporaneous payment for its receipt of a volume of product of a value equivalent to the payments. The litigation is in its early stages, and we believe we have meritorious defenses. Therefore, no provision for losses has been recorded in connection with this matter.

Item 4.    [Removed and Reserved]

42

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

        Our common units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "GLP." The closing sale price per common unit on March 7, 2011 was $27.11. At the close of business on March 7, 2011, based upon information received from our transfer agent and brokers and nominees, we had 11,265 common unitholders, including beneficial owners of common units held in street name. The following table sets forth the range of the daily high and low sales prices per common unit as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and the cash distributions per common unit for the periods indicated.

        On December 9, 2009, our general partner entered into the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership which amended the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated May 9, 2007, as amended, to: (i) replace the terms "operating surplus" and "adjusted operating surplus" with the term "distributable cash flow" and thereby eliminate the term "working capital borrowings," (ii) increase the minimum quarterly distribution, prospectively, from $0.4125 to $0.4625 per unit per quarter; and (iii) remove the provisions that previously permitted early conversion of a portion of the subordinated units and restate the provisions governing conversion of the subordinated units using distributable cash flow to test whether we have "earned" the minimum quarterly distribution.

        We intend to make cash distributions to unitholders on a quarterly basis, although there is no assurance as to the future cash distributions since they are dependent upon future cash flows, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors. Our credit agreement prohibits us from making cash distributions if any potential default or event of default, as defined in the credit agreement, occurs or would result from the cash distribution.

        Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we will distribute all of our available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) to unitholders of record on the applicable record date. The amount of available cash is all cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter;

•

less the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner to:



•

provide for the proper conduct of our business;

43

Table of Contents

•

comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other agreements; or



•

provide funds for distributions to unitholders and to our general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters.

        Conversion of Subordinated Units—Subsequent to December 31, 2010, based upon meeting certain distribution and performance tests provided in our partnership agreement, all 5,642,424 subordinated units have converted to common units.

        We will make distributions of available cash from distributable cash flow for any quarter in the following manner: 98.94% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.06% to the general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and thereafter, cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distributions is distributed to the unitholders and the general partner based on the percentages as provided below.

        As holder of the incentive distribution rights, the general partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:

        The equity compensation plan information required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K in response to this item is incorporated by reference from Item 12, "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management—Equity Compensation Plan Table."

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

        None. Please read Item 1, "Business—Recent Developments—Conversion of Subordinated Units" for information on the conversion of our subordinated units into common units.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The table below provides information with respect to purchases of our common units made by our general partner on our behalf during the quarter ended December 31, 2010:

44

Table of Contents

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

        The following table presents selected historical financial and operating data of Global Partners LP for the years and as of the dates indicated. The selected historical financial data is derived from the historical consolidated financial statements of Global Partners LP.

        This table should be read in conjunction with Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the historical consolidated financial statements of Global Partners LP and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. In addition, this table presents non-GAAP financial measures which we use in our business. These measures are not calculated or presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"). We explain these measures and present reconciliations to their most directly

45

Table of Contents

comparable financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

46

Table of Contents

47

Table of Contents

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

        The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Global Partners LP should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of Global Partners LP and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

Overview

General

        We own, control or have access to one of the largest terminal networks of refined petroleum products in the Northeast. We are one of the largest wholesale distributors of gasoline, distillates (such as home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil and renewable fuels (such as ethanol) to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers in the New England states and New York. We own and supply fuel to 190 Mobil-branded retail gas stations (38 leased properties and 152 fee properties) in New England and supply Mobil-branded fuel to an additional 31 independently-owned stations. In 2010, we sold approximately $7.8 billion of refined petroleum products and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels. In addition, we had revenues of approximately $16.1 million, primarily from convenience store sales at our directly operated stores and gas station rental income.

        We purchase our refined petroleum products primarily from domestic and foreign refiners, major and independent oil companies and trading companies and sell these products in two segments, Wholesale and Commercial. Like most independent marketers of refined petroleum products, we base our pricing on spot physical prices and routinely use the NYMEX or other derivatives to hedge our commodity risk inherent in buying and selling energy commodities. Through the use of regulated exchanges or derivatives, we maintain a position that is substantially balanced between purchased volumes and sales volumes or future delivery obligations. We earn a margin by selling the product for physical delivery to third parties.

Products and Operational Structure

        Our products primarily include unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates and residual oil. We sell gasoline to unbranded and Mobil-branded retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels. The distillates we sell are used primarily for fuel for trucks and off-road construction equipment and for space heating of residential and commercial buildings. We sell residual oil to major housing units, such as public housing authorities, colleges and hospitals and large industrial facilities that use processed steam in their manufacturing processes. In addition, we sell bunker fuel, which we can custom blend, to cruise ships, bulk carriers and fishing fleets. We have increased our sales in the non-weather sensitive components of our business, such as transportation fuels; however, we are still subject to the impact that warmer weather conditions may have on our home heating oil and residual oil sales.

        Our business is divided into three operating segments:

•

Wholesale.  This segment includes sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of renewable fuels to retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels, home heating oil retailers and wholesale distributors.



•

Commercial.  This segment includes sales and deliveries of unbranded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels to end user customers in the public sector and to large commercial and industrial end user customers. In the case of commercial and industrial end user customers, we sell our products primarily either through a competitive bidding process or through contracts of various terms. Our commercial segment sales also include sales of Mobil-branded gasoline to end users at our directly operated gas

48

Table of Contents

stations. This segment also purchases, custom blends, sells and delivers bunker fuel and diesel to cruise ships, bulk carriers and fishing fleets generally by barges.

•

Other.  This segment includes convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales and rental income from the Dealer Leased Sites (defined below). Please read "—ExxonMobil Acquisition."

        Our business is substantially comprised of purchasing, storing, terminalling and selling refined petroleum products. In a contango market (when product prices for future deliveries are higher than for current deliveries), we may use our storage capacity to improve our margins by storing products we have purchased at lower prices in the current market for delivery to customers at higher prices in the future. In a backward market (when product prices for future deliveries are lower than current deliveries), we attempt to minimize our inventories to reduce commodity risk and maintain or increase net product margins. See Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," for additional information related to commodity risk.

Outlook

        This section identifies certain risks and certain economic or industry-wide factors that may affect our financial performance and results of operations in the future, both in the short term and in the long term. Our results of operations and financial condition depend, in part, upon the following:

•

The condition of credit markets may adversely affect our liquidity.  In the recent past, world financial markets experienced a severe reduction in the availability of credit. Although we were not negatively impacted by this condition, possible negative impacts in the future could include a decrease in the availability of borrowings under our credit agreement, increased counterparty credit risk on our derivatives contracts and our contractual counterparties requiring us to provide collateral. In addition, we could experience a tightening of trade credit from our suppliers.



•

We commit substantial resources to pursuing acquisitions, though there is no certainty that we will successfully complete any acquisitions or receive the economic results we anticipate from completed acquisitions.  Consistent with our business strategy, we are continuously engaged in discussions with potential sellers of terminalling, storage and/or marketing assets and related businesses. Our growth largely depends on our ability to make accretive acquisitions. We may be unable to make such accretive acquisitions for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts; (2) we are unable to raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms; or (3) we are outbid by competitors. In addition, we may consummate acquisitions that at the time of consummation we believe will be accretive, but that ultimately may not be accretive. If any of these events were to occur, our future growth would be limited. We can give no assurance that our acquisition efforts will be successful or that any such acquisition will be completed on terms that are favorable to us.



•

Our financial results are generally better in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year.  Demand for some refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally higher during November through March than during April through October. We obtain a significant portion of these sales during these winter months. Therefore, our results of operations for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally better than for the second and third quarters. With lower cash flow during the second and third calendar quarters, we may be required to borrow money in order to maintain current levels of distributions to our unitholders.



•

Warmer weather conditions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Weather conditions generally have an impact on the demand for both home heating oil and

49

Table of Contents

residual oil. Because we supply distributors whose customers depend on home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes during the winter, warmer-than-normal temperatures during the first and fourth calendar quarters in the Northeast can decrease the total volume we sell and the gross profit realized on those sales.

•

Energy efficiency, new technology and alternative fuels could reduce demand for our products.  Increased conservation and technological advances have adversely affected the demand for home heating oil and residual oil. Consumption of residual oil has steadily declined over the last three decades. We could face additional competition from alternative energy sources as a result of future government-mandated controls or regulation further promoting the use of cleaner fuels. End users who are dual-fuel users have the ability to switch between residual oil and natural gas. Other end users may elect to convert to natural gas. During a period of increasing residual oil prices relative to the prices of natural gas, dual-fuel customers may switch and other end users may convert to natural gas. Residential users of home heating oil may also convert to natural gas. Such switching or conversion could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders. In addition, new technologies and alternative fuel sources, such as electric, hybrid or battery powered motor vehicles, could reduce the demand for gasoline and adversely impact our gasoline sales. A reduction in gasoline sales could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.



•

Our financial condition and results of operations are influenced by the overall forward market for refined petroleum products, and increases and/or decreases in the prices of refined petroleum products may adversely impact the amount of borrowing available for working capital under our credit agreement, which credit agreement has borrowing base limitations and advance rates, as well as access to trade credit.  Results from our purchasing, storing, terminalling and selling operations are influenced by prices for refined petroleum products, pricing volatility and the market for such products. Prices in the overall forward market for refined petroleum products may impact our ability to execute advantageous purchasing opportunities. In a contango market (when product prices for future deliveries are higher than for current deliveries), we may use our storage capacity to improve our margins by storing products we have purchased at lower prices in the current market for delivery to customers at higher prices in the future. In a backward market (when product prices for future deliveries are lower than current deliveries), we attempt to minimize our inventories to reduce commodity risk and maintain or increase net product margins. When prices for refined petroleum products rise, some of our customers may have insufficient credit to purchase supply from us at their historical purchase volumes, and their customers, in turn, may adopt conservation measures which reduce consumption, thereby reducing demand for product. Furthermore, when prices increase rapidly and dramatically, we may be unable to promptly pass our additional costs on to our customers, resulting in lower margins for us which could adversely affect our results of operation. Lastly, higher prices for refined petroleum products may (1) diminish our access to trade credit support and/or cause it to become more expensive and (2) decrease the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our credit agreement as a result of total available commitments, borrowing base limitations and advance rates thereunder. In addition, when prices for refined petroleum products decline, our exposure to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers of our forward contracts may be increased as they and/or their customers may breach their contracts and purchase refined petroleum products at the then lower spot and/or retail market price. Furthermore, lower prices for refined petroleum products may diminish the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our working capital revolving credit facility as a result of borrowing base limitations.

50

Table of Contents

•

Changes in government usage mandates and tax credits could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could negatively impact our gasoline sales.  Future demand for ethanol will be largely dependent upon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline and ethanol, taking into consideration the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (the "blender's credit") and the EPA's regulations on the Renewable Fuels Standard ("RFS") program and oxygenate blending requirements. A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or the oxygenate blending requirements or the failure to extend the blender's credit could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which in turn could adversely affect our future gasoline and ethanol sales. Please read Item 1, "Business—Recent Developments—Ethanol and Rail Expansion Project."



•

New, stricter environmental laws and regulations could significantly increase our costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating product quality specifications and other environmental matters. The trend in environmental regulation is towards more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment. Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs and liabilities resulting from such stricter laws and regulations. We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance. However, there can be no assurances as to the timing and type of such changes in existing laws or the promulgation of new laws or the amount of any required expenditures associated therewith.

ExxonMobil Acquisition

        On September 30, 2010, we completed our acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil for cash consideration of approximately $202.3 million, plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition was completed in multiple phases from September 8 through September 30, 2010.

        The following is a summary of the Acquisition and certain matters relating to our operation of the acquired assets and rights. Information regarding results and operations of the Sites (as defined below) prior to the Acquisition, including rents, real estate taxes, sales and salaries and benefits, is based on available information, including certain information provided by the seller.

        Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed—The Acquisition included the purchase of the following assets from ExxonMobil:

•

148 stations leased to and operated by dealers (the "Dealer Leased Sites"). 130 of the Dealer Leased Sites are located in Massachusetts, 9 are located in Rhode Island and 9 are located in New Hampshire. 124 of the Dealer Leased Sites are owned by us. 24 of the Dealer Leased Sites are leased by us pursuant to existing lease agreements with third-party landlords assigned to and assumed by us and subleased by dealers.

Assuming we exercise available renewal terms, the leases with third-party landlords for the 24 Dealer Leased Sites leased by us expire between 2011 and 2033, with an average remaining lease term of approximately 12 years. The rent paid in 2009 for the 24 leased Dealer Leased Sites was approximately $1.6 million and approximately $360,000 was paid for real estate taxes. The real estate taxes paid in 2009 for the 124 owned Dealer Leased Sites was approximately $2.0 million. Subject to applicable rent increases under the terms of the leases for the 24 leased Dealer Leased Sites, and any real estate tax increases imposed by applicable taxing authority, we expect to incur comparable rent and real estate tax expenses in connection with the future operation of the Dealer Leased Sites.

51

Table of Contents

Each of the Dealer Leased Sites are leased or subleased, as applicable, to and operated by dealers pursuant to existing franchise agreements assigned to and assumed by us. The franchise agreements for the Dealer Leased Sites are generally for three-year terms with varying expiration dates and contain renewal terms pursuant to and governed by applicable federal laws. In 2009, the rents paid by dealers for the 148 Dealer Leased Sites were approximately $16.8 million. Subject to rent increases under the terms of the franchise agreements for the 148 Dealer Leased Sites, and any changes in rent contained in any renewal franchise agreements executed for the 148 Dealer Leased Sites, we expect to receive similar rents in connection with the future operation of the Dealer Leased Sites.

From the Dealer Leased Sites, we receive revenues pursuant to the terms of the franchise agreements from (a) rent paid by the dealers, and (b) the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel sold to the Dealer Leased Sites. All revenues at the Dealer Leased Sites relating to (a) the sale of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuels to retail end-users, and (b) convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales are for the account of the dealer who leases and operates the location. All station-level employees of each Dealer Leased Site are employees of the dealer who leases and operates the location.

•

42 stations directly operated by a management company as discussed below (the "Company Operated Sites" and, together with the Dealer Leased Sites, the "Acquired Sites"). Simultaneously with the Acquisition, the Company Operated Sites were transferred by us to GMG, our wholly owned subsidiary. 27 of the Company Operated Sites are located in Massachusetts, 6 are located in Rhode Island and 9 are located in New Hampshire. 28 of the Company Operated Sites are owned by GMG. 14 of the Company Operated Sites are leased by GMG pursuant to existing lease agreements with third-party landlords assigned to and assumed by GMG.

Assuming exercise by GMG of available renewal terms, the leases with third-party landlords for the 14 Company Operated Sites leased by us expire between 2013 and 2038, with an average remaining lease term of approximately 12 years. The rent paid in 2009 for the 14 leased Company Operated Sites was approximately $1.5 million and approximately $330,000 was paid for real estate taxes. The real estate taxes paid in 2009 for the 28 owned Company Operated sites was approximately $728,000. Subject to applicable rent increases under the terms of the leases for the 14 leased Company Operated Sites, and any real estate tax increases imposed by applicable taxing authority, we expect to incur comparable rent and real estate tax expenses in connection with the future operation of the Company Operated Sites.

All of the Company Operated Sites have convenience stores ranging in size from 900 to 3,900 square feet, 38 of which are operated under the On the Run flag (see "—Management Agreements"). 36 of the Company Operated Sites are open 24 hours per day. All of the Company Operated Sites are licensed lottery agents in their respective states. The 9 Company Operated Sites in New Hampshire are licensed to sell beer and wine. 20 of the Company Operated Sites have car washes on site. The Company Operated Sites averaged convenience store sales in 2009 of approximately $1.0 million per site.

From the Company Operated Sites, we will receive revenues from (a) the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to the Company Operated Sites, (b) the sale of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to retail end-users, and (c) convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales. All station-level employees of a Company Operated Sites are employees of GMG's management agent, as discussed below.

•

The right to supply Mobil-branded fuel to an additional 31 stations that are owned and operated by independent dealers (the "Dealer Owned Sites" and, together with the Acquired Sites, the "Sites"). Each of the Dealer Owned Sites is supplied fuel pursuant to an existing supply

52

Table of Contents

agreement assigned to and assumed by us. 22 of the Dealer Owned Sites are located in Massachusetts, 7 are located in Rhode Island and 2 are located in New Hampshire. The supply agreements for the Dealer Owned Sites expire between 2011 and 2015, and we intend to pursue renewals of these agreements as they mature.

From the Dealer Owned Sites, we will receive revenues solely from the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to the Dealer Owned Sites. All revenues at the Dealer Owned Sites relating to (a) the sale of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuels to retail end-users, and (b) convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales are for the benefit of the dealer who owns and operates the location. All station-level employees of each Dealer Operated Site are employees of the independent dealer who owns the location.

In 2009, the Dealer Owned Sites, together with the Dealer Leased Sites, sold approximately 275 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel. Also in 2009, the Company Operated Sites sold approximately 95 million gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel.

        We believe the Acquired Sites are premier locations and have been well maintained. All underground storage tank systems and related dispensing equipment were inspected by us and environmental engineers as part of due diligence activities prior to consummation of the Acquisition and are believed to be in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local underground storage tank laws and regulations. Our policy will be to replace underground motor fuel storage tanks at approximately 30 years of age. The average tank age of the underground storage tanks at the Acquired Sites is approximately 19.5 years. We do not own the underground storage tanks or other dispensing equipment at the Dealer Owned Sites. Based on a 30-year average life replacement cycle, we expect to replace approximately 18% of the tanks in the next 5 years. All of the motor fuel storage tanks at the Acquired Sites are constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, with approximately 2/3 of the tanks double walled. All tanks at the Acquired Sites are equipped with automatic tank gauges which are remotely monitored for leak detection purposes.

        Pursuant to the BFA (as defined below), we must maintain all buildings at each of the Acquired Sites, and must ensure that the operators maintain all buildings at each of the Dealer Owned Sites, in compliance with all applicable fire, building and zoning codes and ordinances, in a clean condition free of debris, trash and fire hazards, and in accordance with detailed and rigorous ExxonMobil brand imaging requirements. We believe that each of the Sites is in compliance in all material respects with each of these requirements.

        In addition to the contractual obligations assumed by us as described above, we assumed certain environmental liabilities with respect to the Acquired Sites. The assumed environmental liabilities include on-going environmental remediation at approximately 70 of the Acquired Sites and future remediation activities required by applicable federal, state or local law or regulation. Based on consultations with environmental engineers, our estimated cost of the remediation is expected to be approximately $30.0 million to be expended over an extended period of time.

        We contemplate potential sales of Acquired Sites to franchise dealers and other third parties, and the possible lease of Acquired Sites to commissioned agents. A "commissioned agent" is a person who leases and operates the convenience store as an independent operator, with all convenience store revenues for the agent's account. In addition, the agent receives a commission on a per gallon basis for the sale of fuel products owned, priced and sold by us.

        Brand Fee Agreement—In connection with the Acquisition, we and ExxonMobil entered into a 15-year Brand Fee Agreement (the "BFA"), which entitles us to (a) operate each of the Company Operated Sites under the Mobil-branded trade name and related trade logos (the "Mobil Flag"), (b) allow the Dealer Leased Sites and the Dealer Owned Sites to be operated under the Mobil Flag, (c) subject to ExxonMobil's approval, brand additional service stations (whether company operated,

53

Table of Contents

dealer leased or dealer owned) in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont (collectively, the "BFA States") under the Mobil Flag, and (d) supply Mobil-branded motor fuel to the Sites and other Mobil-branded stations in the BFA States. We are responsible for complying and ensuring compliance by all third parties purchasing Mobil-branded motor fuel from us within the BFA States, with all of ExxonMobil's branded facility requirements, brand image specifications and restrictions and minimum service standards with respect to the use of the Mobil Flag and the sale of Mobil-branded motor fuel. In addition, on and after June 1, 2011, we will have similar rights and responsibilities with respect to the Exxon branded trade name and related trade logos (the "Exxon Flag") in the BFA States.

        We are responsible for securing our own wholesale fuel supply, including sourcing and delivery of motor fuel and ExxonMobil proprietary additives, arranging for storage and distribution at and from bulk storage facilities and installing any necessary additive injection systems, and providing dispatch and distribution systems for delivery of fuel to the Sites and any other Mobil-branded station supplied by us in the BFA States during the term of the BFA. We are also responsible for ensuring that any Mobil-branded motor fuel distributed by us within the BFA States meets ExxonMobil's specifications and quality assurance requirements for Mobil-branded motor fuel, as such specifications and requirements may be changed by ExxonMobil from time to time, as well as all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Except for a brief transition period, ExxonMobil will not supply motor fuels to us within the BFA States. The Acquisition did not include any of ExxonMobil's existing supply arrangements, terminal assets, rolling stock or other storage and distribution system components.

        Securing wholesale fuel supply is part of our core business. Our products come from some of the major energy companies in the world. Cargos are sourced from the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Russia and occasionally from Asia. During 2010, we purchased an average of approximately 238,000 barrels per day of refined petroleum products from approximately 115 suppliers. In 2010, our top ten suppliers accounted for approximately 60% of product purchases. We enter into supply agreements with these suppliers on a term basis or a spot basis.

        We will utilize our existing terminal network to supply the Sites. This terminal network includes bulk terminals owned by us or at which we maintain dedicated storage as well as throughput or exchange agreements at other bulk terminals. Throughput arrangements allow storage of product at terminals owned by others. We can load product at these terminals, and pay the owners of these terminals fees for services rendered in connection with the receipt, storage and handling of such product. Exchange agreements also allow us to take delivery of product at a terminal or facility that is not owned or leased. An exchange is a contractual agreement where the parties exchange product at their respective terminals or facilities. For example, we receive product that is owned by the exchange partner from such party's facility or terminal, and we deliver the same volume of product to such party out of one of the terminals in our terminal network. Initially, we intend to supply the Sites pursuant to throughput agreements at two bulk terminals and an exchange agreement at one bulk terminal, each of which currently have the necessary Mobil proprietary additive available. We can supply the Sites using additional bulk terminals in our terminal network, subject to potential modifications to accommodate the storage and injection of Mobil proprietary additive as required by the BFA. Consistent with our other operations, the bulk supply required for the Sites and other locations supplied pursuant to the BFA are substantially hedged through futures contracts and swap agreements.

        Pursuant to the BFA, we have the right (but not the obligation) to continue operating the Sites under the Mobil Flag. In addition, on and after June 1, 2011, we will have similar rights with respect to the Exxon Flag. We will pay a fee of approximately $9.0 million to ExxonMobil in 2011 for this right, plus an additional amount in the event additional sites are branded Mobil or Exxon or supplied Mobil or Exxon branded fuel by us pursuant to the BFA. Initially, we intend to continue operating the Sites under the Mobil brand, although we have the right to rebrand the Sites to another major gasoline

54

Table of Contents

brand or to operate the Sites as unbranded stations. In the event we rebrand any of the Sites to another major gasoline brand or to an unbranded station, the BFA fee will not decrease.

        ExxonMobil has agreed to provide credit card processing services for the Sites and any other stations Mobil-branded or supplied by us in the BFA States pursuant to the BFA. We are responsible for providing our own marketing and promotion efforts in support of the Mobil and Exxon brands within the BFA States. We expect to benefit from national promotions of the Mobil (and, after June 1, 2011, Exxon) brand by ExxonMobil. We are responsible for providing our own customer service operations to respond to consumer complaints or concerns regarding the operation of the Sites and other stations Mobil-branded or supplied by us under the BFA. In addition, ExxonMobil operates and offers a variety of incentive and rebate programs for franchise dealers and other wholesale distributors which, prior to the Acquisition, were available to the Sites. Under the BFA, these programs are not available to us, and we will be responsible for developing, offering and administering any such program we wish to offer to any of the Sites.

        Pursuant to the BFA, we also have the ability to provide Mobil-branded fuels to other authorized Mobil distributors in the BFA States. As of March 1, 2011, we began supplying several such distributors, including Alliance. Please read Item 13, "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence."

        Management Agreements—In connection with the Acquisition, Global Companies LLC and GMG entered into Facilities Management Agreements (each, a "Management Agreement") with Alliance with respect to all of the Sites. Alliance is approximately 95% owned by members of the Slifka family, who also own our general partner. Each Management Agreement is for an initial term continuing through September 30, 2013. Either party to each Management Agreement may extend the term for consecutive additional one-year terms by giving written notice of its election to extend the term not less than 24 months prior to the expiration of the then current term, subject to the parties' mutual agreement on the management fee for such extension.

        Pursuant to the Management Agreements, Alliance will supervise and direct the day-to-day management and operations of the Sites for an aggregate annual management fee of $2.6 million, commencing October 1, 2010. Alliance will manage the operations of the Sites in accordance with annual budgets to be approved by Global Companies LLC and GMG, respectively. In addition to the annual management fee, Global Companies LLC and GMG are responsible for reimbursing Alliance for certain direct overhead expenses related to the operations of the Sites, including costs relating to the employees directly employed to manage and operate the Sites and a portion of the costs relating to certain administrative personnel of Alliance as may be approved by Global Companies LLC and/or GMG, in accordance with the Management Agreements and the approved annual budgets. In the event that the number or type of Mobil or Exxon branded stations in the BFA States changes, the annual management fee and reimbursed direct overhead expenses may be adjusted as the parties mutually agree.

        In connection with the Acquisition, all of ExxonMobil's station-level employees at the Company Operated Sites and ExxonMobil's 13 field supervisory and support employees responsible for the Sites were hired by Alliance. The aggregate cost of salary and benefits in 2009 for station-level employees at the Company Operated Sites was approximately $9.5 million, exclusive of field supervisory and support employees. As we may operate the Company Operated Sites in a manner different than ExxonMobil, the aggregate cost of salary and benefits for station-level employees at the Company Operated Sites may be greater or less than the amounts incurred by ExxonMobil. All matters pertaining to the employment, supervision, compensation, promotion, and discharge of such employees are the responsibility of Alliance. Pursuant to the Management Agreements, Alliance is required to indemnify Global Companies LLC and GMG from and against any and all claims and damages of any nature whatsoever arising out of or incidental to Alliance's performance of its responsibilities under the

55

Table of Contents

Management Agreements caused by or due to fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct or a material breach by Alliance of any provision of the Management Agreements. Alliance's aggregate liability is capped at $5.0 million, over and above the utilization of any and all insurance proceeds.

        In addition, pursuant to the Management Agreements, Alliance is providing certain accounting, tax, information technology, legal, maintenance, environmental and regulatory, dispatch, credit, human resource, construction and other services not acquired as part of the Acquisition. Additional accounting, tax, information technology, legal, environmental and regulatory, credit and other services not acquired as part of the Acquisition and not otherwise provided by Alliance pursuant to the Management Agreements will be provided by us. In addition, we will be solely responsible for providing all necessary employees and services relating to any wholesale fuel supply, including sourcing and delivery of physical product and ExxonMobil proprietary additives, and arranging for storage at and distribution from bulk storage facilities and installing any necessary additive injection systems, as these services were not acquired as part of the Acquisition. The ExxonMobil employees who previously provided the services being provided by us with respect to these activities were not available for hire as part of the Acquisition.

        Alliance, as management agent for GMG, has obtained the right to continue operating 38 of the Company Operated Sites under the current On the Run convenience store brand, as the Acquisition did not include ExxonMobil's rights to use this brand name. We have the right to rebrand the convenience stores at the Company Operated Sites to another brand in the future. In addition, we did not acquire any of ExxonMobil's existing supply contracts with convenience store vendors, and we have entered into new arrangements with suppliers to stock the convenience stores at the Company Operated Sites. Subject to approval under the BFA, dealers at Dealer Leased Sites and at Dealer Owned Sites are responsible for obtaining any necessary rights to any convenience store brand name for these sites as well as entering into any desired supply contracts with convenience store vendors directly.

        Other ExxonMobil Relationships—ExxonMobil has long-term throughput contracts with us for the use of five refined petroleum products terminals acquired from ExxonMobil in 2007. We supply refined petroleum products to ExxonMobil at four of these terminals. ExxonMobil is also a supplier of refined petroleum products to us at other locations. ExxonMobil accounted for approximately 19%, 22% and 20% of our consolidated sales for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Results of Operations

Evaluating Our Results of Operations

        Our management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements to analyze our performance. These measurements include: (1) net product margin, (2) gross profit, (3) selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"), (4) operating expenses, (5) degree days, (6) net income per diluted limited partner unit, (7) EBITDA and (8) distributable cash flow.

Net Product Margin

        We view net product margin as an important performance measure of the core profitability of our operations. We review net product margin monthly for consistency and trend analysis. We define net product margin as our sales minus product costs. Sales primarily include sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil, small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels and convenience store sales and gas station rental income. Product costs include the cost of acquiring the refined petroleum products, natural gas and renewable fuels that we sell and all associated costs including shipping and handling costs to bring such products to the point of sale. We also look at net product margin on a per unit basis (net product margin divided by volume). Net product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements to assess our business. Net product margin should not be considered as an alternative to net

56

Table of Contents

income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our net product margin may not be comparable to net product margin or a similarly titled measure of other companies.

Gross Profit

        We define gross profit as our sales minus product costs and terminal depreciation expense allocated to cost of sales. Sales primarily include sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels. Product costs include the cost of acquiring the refined petroleum products, natural gas and renewable fuels that we sell and all associated costs to bring such products to the point of sale.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

        Our SG&A expenses include, among other things, marketing costs, corporate overhead, employee salaries and benefits, pension and 401(k) plan expenses, discretionary bonuses, non-interest financing costs, professional fees and information technology expenses. Employee-related expenses including employee salaries, discretionary bonuses and related payroll taxes, benefits, and pension and 401(k) plan expenses are paid by our general partner which, in turn, is reimbursed for these expenses by us.

Operating Expenses

        Operating expenses are costs associated with the operation of the terminals and gasoline stations used in our business. Lease payments and storage expenses, maintenance and repair, utilities, taxes, labor and labor-related expenses comprise the most significant portion of our operating expenses. These expenses remain relatively stable independent of the volumes through our system but fluctuate slightly depending on the activities performed during a specific period.

Degree Day

        A "degree day" is an industry measurement of temperature designed to evaluate energy demand and consumption. Degree days are based on how far the average temperature departs from a human comfort level of 65°F. Each degree of temperature above 65°F is counted as one cooling degree day, and each degree of temperature below 65°F is counted as one heating degree day. Degree days are accumulated each day over the course of a year and can be compared to a monthly or a long-term (multi-year) average, or normal, to see if a month or a year was warmer or cooler than usual. Degree days are officially observed by the National Weather Service and officially archived by the National Climatic Data Center. For purposes of evaluating our results of operations, we use the normal heating degree day amount as reported by the National Weather Service at its Logan International Airport station in Boston, Massachusetts.

Net Income Per Diluted Limited Partner Unit

        We use net income per diluted limited partner unit to measure our financial performance on a per-unit basis. Net income per diluted limited partner unit is defined as net income, divided by the weighted average number of outstanding diluted common and subordinated units, or limited partner units, during the period.

57

Table of Contents

EBITDA

        EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess:

•

our compliance with certain financial covenants included in our debt agreements;



•

our financial performance without regard to financing methods, capital structure, income taxes or historical cost basis;



•

our ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our partners;



•

our operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the wholesale, marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products, without regard to financing methods and capital structure; and



•

the viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return of alternative investment opportunities.

        EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, and this measure may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

Distributable Cash Flow

        Distributable cash flow is an important non-GAAP financial measure for our limited partners since it serves as an indicator of our success in providing a cash return on their investment. In December 2009, we amended our partnership agreement to restate the provisions governing conversion of the subordinated units to use distributable cash flow to test whether we have "earned" the minimum quarterly distribution. Distributable cash flow means our net income plus depreciation and amortization minus maintenance capital expenditures, as well as adjustments to eliminate items approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of our general partner that are extraordinary or non-recurring in nature and that would otherwise increase distributable cash flow. Specifically, this financial measure indicates to investors whether or not we have generated sufficient earnings on a current or historic level that can sustain or support an increase in our quarterly cash distribution. Distributable cash flow is a quantitative standard used by the investment community with respect to publicly traded partnerships. Distributable cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our distributable cash flow may not be comparable to distributable cash flow or similarly titled measures of other companies.

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

        In September 2010, we acquired 190 Mobil-branded retail gas stations located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Additionally, we acquired the right to supply Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to such stations and to 31 Mobil-branded stations that are owned and operated by independent dealers. The Acquisition expands our wholesale supply business and adds vertical integration to our transportation fuel business. Please read "Overview—ExxonMobil Acquisition" for a discussion of the transaction.

        In June 2010, we completed our acquisition of the Warex Terminals (three refined petroleum products terminals located in Newburgh, New York). We believe the acquisition strengthens our

58

Table of Contents

presence along the Hudson River in southeastern New York and enhances terminal operating efficiencies with our neighboring facility.

        In addition, in October 2010, we completed an ethanol and rail expansion project that adds 180,000 barrels of ethanol storage at our refined petroleum product terminal in Albany, New York. The project includes modifications that enable the terminal to schedule the delivery of 80-car trains of ethanol and allows ethanol to be shipped directly on a single rail line from the Midwest. Beyond supplying our own business, we further invested in our Albany terminal by installing a marine vapor recovery system for barge/vessel-loading of ethanol and gasoline at the dock, and expanding the rack to allow for additional ethanol and gasoline sales. We believe the supply efficiencies gained through this project position us to be a premier cost effective supplier of gasoline and ethanol to the Northeast. In a separate and complementary project, we are converting two distillate storage tanks to gasoline storage at the Albany facility. These initiatives, combined with the return to service of three previously out-of-service tanks, increased the total storage capacity of our Albany terminal to approximately 1.2 million barrels, up from 737,000 barrels when we acquired the terminal in May 2007.

        During the year ended December 31, 2010:

•

Refined petroleum product prices increased during 2010 compared to 2009.



•

Our aggregate volume of product sold increased by approximately 7% for 2010 compared to 2009 primarily due to our gasoline business.



•

We expensed credit losses of approximately $1.1 million.



•

Temperatures for 2010 were 10% warmer than normal and 11% warmer than 2009.



•

We believe heating oil conservation and consumption continued during 2010.



•

We believe our results for the fourth quarter 2010 were negatively impacted due, in part, to adverse market conditions and fewer advantageous purchasing opportunities primarily in our distillates business. Although these factors continue to affect our business at the present time, we do not believe they are of a long-term nature. We believe that these market conditions and fewer purchasing opportunities did not adversely impact the performance of our gasoline business including the recent acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil.

        During 2009, we optimized our terminal network by initiating organic expansion and other projects, primarily in Albany, New York, Oyster Bay, New York and Linden, New Jersey. These projects added approximately 1.3 million barrels of storage capacity, broadening the depth and breadth of our strategic asset base.

        During the year ended December 31, 2009:

•

Refined petroleum product prices dramatically declined during the first three quarters of 2009 compared to the same periods in 2008 which we believe contributed to lower revenues and lower financing costs as a result of decreased borrowings to finance inventory.



•

Refined petroleum product prices, however, dramatically increased during the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the fourth quarter of 2008.



•

Due to the decline in refined petroleum product prices for most of 2009 and due to favorable market conditions, we elected to use our storage capacity to carry increased inventories of $225.6 million as of December 31, 2009 compared December 31, 2008.



•

Temperatures for 2009 were 1% colder than normal and 4% colder than 2008 while temperatures were 4% warmer than normal for 2008.

59

Table of Contents

•

We expensed credit losses of approximately $2.2 million.



•

We believe heating oil conservation continued during 2009 even though prices declined.



•

We believe the overall economic conditions affected our distillates and gasoline results.



•

We continued to experience a decline in our residual oil sales and volumes.

        In 2008, we expanded our presence in Providence, Rhode Island. We entered into two separate sublease agreements in November 2007 for land located at the Port of Providence. In January 2008, the terminal at one parcel opened for business and has storage capacity of 244,000 barrels for distillates. In November 2008, the terminal at the other parcel opened for business and has storage capacity of 230,000 barrels for refined petroleum products. These facilities will enable us to more effectively supply existing wholesale and commercial customers across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts and cultivate new customers in the region.

        In 2008, we experienced higher revenues and higher gasoline sales volumes, primarily due to our 2007 acquisitions of five refined petroleum products terminals from ExxonMobil. Refined petroleum product and natural gas prices were higher during the first nine months of the year and generally peaked in July of 2008 before dramatically decreasing during the fourth quarter as evidenced in the table below.

        During the year ended December 31, 2008:

•

We believe increasing refined petroleum product prices for most of 2008 contributed to:



•

higher financing costs as a result of increased borrowings to finance inventory;



•

the conversion or temporary switching by dual-fuel users by primarily commercial customers to other products (primarily natural gas) from residual fuel and heating oil; and



•

energy conservation.



•

A decrease in market demand for distillates and residual oil due to energy conservation and higher refined petroleum product prices for most of 2008 led to lower volumes sold and lower margins.



•

Adverse market conditions in our markets, including volatility and backwardation, led to lower margins and intensified competition from other wholesalers.



•

Temperatures were 4% warmer than normal for 2008 as measured by aggregate heating degree days.



•

We expensed credit losses of approximately $660,000.



•

We had fewer fixed priced sales of heating oil in 2008.



•

During the first quarter of 2008, the opportunistic conversion of certain gasoline markets to ethanol put us in a temporarily disadvantaged competitive position while our terminal infrastructure was being converted.



•

Temporary logistical supply issues related to rail capacity adversely affected the performance of our Burlington, Vermont facility.

60

Table of Contents

        The following table provides the percentage increases (decreases) in refined petroleum product and natural gas prices at the end of each quarter in 2010 as compared to each comparable quarter in 2009 and at the end of each quarter in 2009 as compared to each comparable quarter in 2008:

61

Table of Contents

Key Performance Indicators

        The following table provides a summary of some of the key performance indicators that may be used to assess our results of operations. These comparisons are not necessarily indicative of future results (gallons and dollars in thousands, except per unit data):