Daniel Obajtek, the president of PKN Orlen informed the public that after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, PKN Orlen ordered around 28 oil tankers to make the Polish system independent of Russian oil.

“We have adjusted our refineries to such a variety of crude oil types that would be optimal for use in our refineries, and we managed to do so. After the outbreak of the war, we ordered about 28 tankers, which will fully secure our system”, said Obajtek at a press conference at the Orlen fuel base in Mościska.

The CEO added that the company has been conducting a very intensive diversification process for several years and recalled that Orlen’s refinery in Mazeikiai in Lithuania, which was supplied with crude oil from Russia, is now processing raw material from other directions.

Obajtek also said that PKN Orlen is still working on the merger with Grupa Lotos and the Polish Oil and Gas Industry (PGNiG).

“We are implementing a very ambitious plan, this year there will certainly be a merger, a merger related to the acquisition of even Lotos, or PGNiG. We are practically at the final stage and we will do it this year because it is necessary for our entire economy and for the security of our country”, said Obajtek.

At the press conference, the president announced that Orlen will continue to apply a dividend policy in order to be an attractive company for shareholders, which will allow it to raise capital for further investments.

“It strengthens or company, strengthens its credibility, strengthens its attractiveness in this sector and being in the merger processes, we must show that we are a responsible and stable group and that this stable dividend policy will be continued in this respect” announced Obajtek.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński