================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------------ FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): February 20, 2003 ------------------------ STERLING CHEMICALS, INC. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 000-50132 76-0502785 (STATE OR OTHER (COMMISSION (I.R.S. EMPLOYER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION FILE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NO.) OR ORGANIZATION) 1200 SMITH STREET, SUITE 1900 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77002-4312 (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES AND ZIP CODE) (713) 650-3700 (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE) ------------------------ ================================================================================ ITEM 7. EXHIBITS Exhibit 99.1 -- Monthly Operating Report for Sterling Chemicals, Inc. for January 2003. Exhibit 99.2 -- Monthly Operating Report for Sterling Chemicals Energy, Inc. for January 2003. ITEM 9. REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE On February 20, 2003, Sterling Chemicals, Inc. and its subsidiary Sterling Chemicals Energy, Inc. filed Monthly Operating Reports with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, in Houston, Texas (the "Bankruptcy Court"). Copies of the Monthly Operating Reports are filed herewith as Exhibits and contain unaudited financial information that is subject to future reconciliations and adjustments that may materially affect stockholder's equity (deficit). -2- SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. STERLING CHEMICALS, INC. Date: February 28, 2003 By: /s/ RICHARD K. CRUMP --------------------------------------------- Richard K. Crump, Chief Executive Officer -3- EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit 99.1 -- Monthly Operating Report for Sterling Chemicals, Inc. for January 2003. Exhibit 99.2 -- Monthly Operating Report for Sterling Chemicals Energy, Inc. for January 2003.