Derivative Instruments

From time to time, we enter into forward fuel contracts to limit the exposure to price fluctuations for physical purchases of finished products in the normal course of business. We use derivatives to reduce the impact of market price volatility on our results of operations. Typically, we enter into forward fuel contracts with major financial institutions in which we fix the purchase price of finished grade fuel for a predetermined number of units with fulfillment terms of less than 90 days.

From time to time, we may also enter into interest rate hedging agreements to limit floating interest rate exposure under the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement. Our initial credit facility required us to maintain interest rate hedging arrangements on at least 50% of the amount funded on November 7, 2012 under the credit facility, which was required to be in place for at least a three-year period beginning no later than March 7, 2013. Accordingly, effective February 25, 2013, we entered into an interest rate hedge in the form of a LIBOR interest rate cap for a term of three years for a total notional amount of $45.0 million, thereby meeting the requirements in effect at that time. The interest rate hedge remained in place in accordance with its term through its maturity date in February 2016.

The following table presents the fair value of our derivative instruments, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The fair value amounts below are presented on a gross basis and do not reflect the netting of asset and liability positions permitted under our master netting arrangements, including any cash deficit or collateral on deposit with our counterparties. We have elected to offset the recognized fair value amounts for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty in our financial statements. As a result, the asset and liability amounts below may differ from the amounts presented in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not elect hedge accounting treatment for these derivative positions. As a result, all changes in fair value are marked to market in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. See Note 16 for further information regarding the fair value of derivative instruments.



(in thousands)		December 31, 2017					December 31, 2016
Derivative Type	Balance Sheet Location	Assets		Liabilities			Assets		Liabilities
Derivatives:
OTC commodity swaps ⁽¹⁾	Other current assets	$	—	$	(1,087	)	$	9	$	(82	)
Total gross value of derivatives		—		(1,087		)	9		(82		)
Less: Counterparty netting and cash collateral ⁽²⁾		—		(290		)	9		621
Total net fair value of derivatives		$	—	$	(797	)	$	—	$	(703	)


⁽¹⁾	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had open derivative contracts representing 370,000 barrels and 93,000 barrels, respectively, of refined petroleum products.


⁽²⁾	As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had cash collateral of $0.3 million and a cash deficit of $0.6 million, respectively, netted with the net derivative position of our counterparty.

Recognized gains (losses) associated with our derivatives for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (in thousands):



		Year Ended December 31,
Derivative Type	Income Statement Location	2017			2016			2015

Interest rate derivatives	Interest expense	$	—		$	—		$	(24	)
OTC commodity swaps	Cost of goods sold	(1,550		)	(2,122		)	441
	Total	$	(1,550	)	$	(2,122	)	$	417