Amine hydrochloride formed by HCL treating has been found to be soluble to a significant extent in hydrorefined Paraho whole crude shale oil as well as in distillate fractions thereof. Washing with water removes dissolved amine hydrochloride, and it is speculated that this occurs more readily in HCL raffinates of lower molecular weight distillate fractions than in HCL raffinates of higher molecular weight distillate and residual fractions. Sulfuric acid of 90 wt% concentration for washing of HCL raffinates of hydrorefined whole crude shale oil and distillate fractions thereof reduces nitrogen contents to vary small levels, but results in excessive suldonation of aromatics.