The petroleum institute estimates the oil dumped could, if burned, meet the annual electricity needs of 360,000 houses.

Although the petroleum institute put it at 240 million gallons in a study a year ago, other estimates run higher.

Mr. DiBona, formerly of the petroleum institute, said that the merger would have minimal, if any, impact on consumers.

Even with a severe winter, the demand should not exceed about 3.6 million barrels a day, the petroleum institute said.

"We're hopeful," said Betty Anthony, an official with the petroleum institute.

That's really uncertain now," said Mr. Felmy of the petroleum institute.

The brigade had set up its tactical headquarters in a fenced compound on the outskirts of Baghdad that housed a petroleum institute.

The petroleum institute acknowledged that the Clinton plan did not tax nonfuel uses, like oil that becomes part of a plastic product.

The petroleum institute also reported that by a second measure, which is less frequently used, imports last year reached an all-time high.

Mr. DiBona of the petroleum institute is not shy in speculating about the potential consequences.