Statement re Anti-Trust Decision
With regard to the decision of the Polish Anti-Trust Office to impose a PLN 5.5m fine on PKN ORLEN and the Lotos Group, due to their ceasing of the production and sale of U-95 petrol, we wish to inform that PKN ORLEN will appeal against this decision to the Anti-Trust Court. PKN ORLEN is not legally bound to pay the fine before the end of these proceedings.
PKN ORLEN cannot agree with the decision of the Anti-Trust Office that the companies entered into an agreement in order to reduce competition in the domestic market. PKN ORLEN wishes to stress that the Company’s decision resulted only from the non-profitability of producing and distributing this low-demand fuel.
PKN ORLEN also cannot agree with the verdict that U-95 and Eurosuper 95 with the Unikat+ potassium additive are two different products. PKN ORLEN has never manufactured U-95 petrol, but has instead offered it after blending 95 petrol with potassium at storage depots. This operation can be performed by any entity, provided that it is cost-effective, especially as the potassium additive is still offered in the wholesale market.
In the light of the above PKN ORLEN’s appeal is believed to be both justified and reasonable.
