Following the regulatory announcement of UNIPETROL, a.s. on the unplanned shutdown of certain production units in the production plant in Litvínov – Záluží, the Czech Republic, published on 12 December 2017, we regret to inform that on 12 December 2017 an incident – fire and explosion at the partial oxidation unit (POX) - occurred in our production plant in Litvínov – Záluží, the Czech Republic, which resulted into an unplanned shutdown of the POX unit and ammonia production unit in Litvínov - Záluží, the Czech Republic and partial reduction of crude oil processing in refineries in Litvínov – Záluží and Kralupy nad Vltavou and partial reduction of processing on the Steam Cracker Unit in Litvínov – Záluží, the Czech Republic. 

This event represents, among others, an extraordinary, unforeseen and insurmountable obstacle occurring independently of UNIPETROL RPA, s.r.o. will and beyond its control, i.e. a force majeure event.  This obstacle – a force majeure event - still continues.

The occurrence and continuation of the above specified obstacle – a force majeure event - makes it impossible for UNIPETROL RPA, s.r.o. to duly perform its obligations arising from contractual arrangements with its business partners.

 

The occurred obstacle – a force majeure event - excludes any liability on part of UNIPETROL RPA, s.r.o. and relieves UNIPETROL RPA, s.r.o. from its obligations arising from, or in connection with, contractual arrangements with its business partners, including, without limitation, liability to compensate damage or other loss, pay contractual penalty or other obligations or liabilities under any other contractual provisions providing remedy.