PKN ORLEN denies speculations on Mazeikiu Nafta

PKN ORLEN categorically denies speculation that any depreciation of the Mazeiku Nafta (MN) asset value is in the Polish company’s interest. PKN ORLEN wishes to stress that the investment in MN is the biggest in the history of the Polish economy and it is in PKN ORLEN’s interest to build up the value of the transaction. Therefore, speculation on PKN ORLEN’s alleged co-operation with the MN managers to undermine the company’s value are absurd and baseless.

Sale of Spolana to Anwil Wloclawek

This morning, a contract for the sale of UNIPETROL’s share (81.78 %) in SPOLANA a.s., was signed between UNIPETROL and the Polish chemicals producer Zakłady Azotowe ANWIL Spółka Akcyjna. The purchase price for Spolana shares amounted to over CZK 640 million. In addition, the repayment of approx. CZK 660 million that Spolana owes to Unipetrol was ensured. The execution of the contract is the result of a nine-month public tender in which ten investors had initially shown interest in purchasing the shares.

Military certificate for PKN ORLEN

PKN ORLEN has received the AQAP 2120:2003 certificate which confirms the compliance of the Company’s products with the quality standards required for government orders and NATO forces. The audit regarding the production and distribution of motor and jet fuels was conducted by the Department of Management & Quality Systems of the Polish Ministry of Defense.

PKN ORLEN's denies press speculations

Following the speculative article in today’s Gazeta Wyborcza newspaper, regarding alleged talks between PKN ORLEN and certain oil companies, PKN ORLEN categorically denies that it is holding any negotiations to gain a strategic investor, or proceeding with any other issue regarding the shares owned by the Polish State Treasury.

Benzina Plus - new premium retail brand

In line with its new business strategy Benzina, the Czech Republic’s largest fuel retail network, introduces a premium brand Benzina Plus. The company plans to upgrade and re-brand over 102 out of its more than 300 filling stations across the country. The project is aimed at attracting the most demanding motorists with a broad range of premium services and to increase Benzina´s market share. The first Benzina Plus was officially opened today on the D1 motorway near Prague.

Resumption of Hydrotreatment

Yesterday, 23rd October 2006, PKN ORLEN resumed the operation of its hydrotreatment plant in Płock. The overhaul shutdown was completed after 10 days.

New competences of the Board

Following the appointment of Piotr Kownacki to the Management Board of PKN ORLEN, during its session today, 24th October 2006, the Management Board passed the following resolution on new competences.

Reg. Agrofert

PKN ORLEN at present has not received any statement of claim from Agrofert, regarding CZK 17.4 bln. As it has done on other occasions in the past, Agrofert is trying to anticipate the course of the legal process through the media.

New bitumen plant in Plock

Today, ORLEN Asfalt launched a new plant for the production of thermoplastic rubber modified bitumen offered under the name of ORBITON. The daily capacity of the facility totals 500 tonnes and, together with the adjacent tank farm, cost PLN 40m .