SLOVNAFT Group completed the first three quarters of 2014 with a slight loss

• results for the first nine months of the year remain under the influence of adverse developments in the external environment and overhauls at refinery
• the network of Slovnaft petrol stations was extended by two new retail stores, the total number of petrol stations increased to 214
• the volume of investments by end-September rose more than threefold to €147 million

"In the coming period, we expect a more complicated situation in the area of revenue creation, as the following months bring a traditionally lower demand for oil products, as well as worsening movement of the products prices and crude oil prices on international commodity exchanges. The potential negative change of the security situation in Ukraine can make the situation even more complicated, which could result in a steeper rise in energy prices, which are the most important refinery cost items in addition to crude oil," said Chairman and CEO of SLOVNAFT, a.s., Oszkár Világi.

In the first nine months of this year, Slovnaft processed 3.81 million tons of crude oil in the Bratislava refinery, which was 14 percent less than the same period in 2013 due to overhauls. Year-on-year motor gasoline production in the three quarters of the year fell by 23 percent to 840,000 tons. The production of diesel fuel was also reduced to 1.78 million tons. Conversely, a modest 1 percent increase to 245,000 tons was evidenced in the production of petrochemicals.

Sales of SLOVNAFT Group's petroleum products from January to the end of September fell year on year by 13 percent to 3.97 million tons. From this volume, almost three quarters were directed for export. However, the actual sales on foreign markets decreased, while domestic sales increased by 2 percent to 1.12 million tons.

At the end of September, the company operated 214 petrol stations in Slovakia. In the third quarter, the company opened the Štrba motorway pertrol station and one petrol station in Bratislava. Within the MOL Group, Slovnaft also ensured the operation of almost 150 petrol stations in the Czech Republic under the names of PAP OIL and Slovnaft.