"EBIT produced within the petrochemical area increased by 56 percent for the quarter and by 115% for the last six months annually. The achieved result of the Group was also a result of significant saving measures, applying of which saved us 100 million Czech crowns of fixed expenses, and a lower volume of used CO2 emission permits," said the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Unipetrol, Mr. Piotr Chełmiński. On the other hand, because of the intricate development of the market environment, the second quarter was difficult especially for the refinery segment.

The retail sector, represented especially by Benzina, recorded record sales of diesel oil as well as a growth in the sales of the VERVA premium fuels. Benzina recorded an operating profit in the amount of 86 million Czech crowns. The situation on the market was negatively influenced by historically highest prices of motor fuels and increased taxes on motor fuels in the Czech Republic in comparison with neighboring countries. Despite a decreased demand for (especially) gasoline and higher prices of fuels, the market share of Benzina increased, based on estimates, to 14.3% and is getting ever closer to the target of 15%.

The three-percent growth of the volumes of processed crude oil represented utilization of our refinery capacities at 87%. The sale volume of refinery products was positively influenced by the sale numbers of diesel oil while the decreased demand for gasoline had the opposite effect. Despite a difficult situation, the Unipetrol Group has been managing to fulfill one of this year's priorities – during the second quarter, the fixed expenses were reduced by more than 100 million Czech crowns annually, which represents one half of the total planned for 2011.